The celebration photo that sums up my relationship with Mbappe

France's World Cup winner Olivier Giroud explains why iconic Les Bleus striker Kylian Mbappe is misunderstood, and seen as arrogant when he's not.

France's World Cup winner Olivier Giroud has opened up about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe, revealing that a single celebration photo perfectly encapsulates their bond. In an exclusive interview, Giroud explained why Mbappe is often misunderstood as arrogant, when in reality he is a humble and dedicated teammate. The photo in question was taken during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after Mbappe assisted Giroud's goal in the quarter-final against Uruguay. The two embraced in a moment of pure joy, which Giroud says represents the trust and chemistry they shared on the pitch. "That moment was about more than just a goal; it was about two players who understood each other perfectly," Giroud recalled. Giroud emphasized that Mbappe's perceived arrogance stems from his intense confidence and relentless drive to win. On the field, Mbappe's determination can sometimes be misinterpreted as aloofness, but Giroud insists that the young star is deeply respectful of his teammates. "In the dressing room, he listens to the older players and always asks for advice. He's not arrogant; he's just focused," Giroud said. Their partnership began in 2017 when Mbappe first broke into the national team. Giroud, as the experienced target man, took Mbappe under his wing, offering guidance on how to handle pressure. "I told him to stay calm and ignore the noise. He took it to heart and has grown into a leader," Giroud noted. During the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe's explosive performances captured global attention, while Giroud's selfless play created space for his teammate. Giroud believes that Mbappe's speed and dribbling were crucial to France's success, and Mbappe knew how to exploit the gaps Giroud created. "We complemented each other perfectly," Giroud said. Despite his achievements, Mbappe has faced constant criticism, especially after France's loss in the 2022 World Cup final. Some pundits accused him of being selfish, but Giroud defended his former teammate. "People only see what happens on the pitch, but they don't see the sacrifices he makes for the team," Giroud argued. Giroud also revealed that Mbappe is a caring teammate off the field, often organizing team dinners and activities to build camaraderie. After Mbappe missed a crucial penalty in Euro 2020, Giroud and others rallied around him. "In that moment, we were a team, not individuals," Giroud said. Now that Giroud has retired from international duty, Mbappe has taken on the mantle of leadership. Giroud is confident that Mbappe will lead France to more glory. "That photo is not just about our friendship; it's about the passing of the torch in French football," Giroud concluded.

The celebration photo that sums up my relationship with Mbappe

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