Mourinho calls criticism of Mbappe ‘ridiculous’

Mourinho says Mbappe fulfilled his obligations to Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has dismissed criticism of Kylian Mbappe’s activities during the international break as “ridiculous”, defending the forward after he withdrew from France duty with an injury.

Mbappe sustained an injury against Turkey on 25 September and subsequently pulled out of the France squad. Images later circulated of him attending a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle.

Mourinho said Real Madrid’s players had done what was expected of them during the break, arguing that scrutiny had created unnecessary controversy. He said an image of Mbappe cycling in Switzerland had been misrepresented, explaining that bicycles were available to guests at the hotel complex for short journeys.

“Exaggerated, no - I think it was ridiculous,” Mourinho said when asked about the coverage.

He added that Mbappe would be available to play only if he had fulfilled his duties to the club. Mourinho said any Real Madrid player who failed to meet those obligations would not be selected and would instead be “at home”.