With future sorted, France’s Mbappe will be ‘unstoppable’ at Euro 2024, says Djibril Cisse

SINGAPORE – Former France striker Djibril Cisse knows too well the importance of not being distracted, especially ahead of major competitions.

In the build-up to the 2006 World Cup, he suffered a broken leg in Les Bleus’ final friendly match against China, ruling him out of the final 23-man squad.

Then, Cisse had been affected by the uncertainty over his club future at Liverpool. The day before his freak injury, English media reported that the player will be offloaded to French side Marseille.

That is why Cisse, 42, believes that a focused Kylian Mbappe will be at his best at Euro 2024.

The France captain had quashed doubts over his future ahead of the continental showpiece by agreeing a five-year deal with Real Madrid on June 3 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

Cisse, who has 41 caps, told The Straits Times: “I lived this situation when you’re not sure about your future. As soon as the situation is sorted in his head, he’s going to feel free and very happy that everybody now knows. Once you’re free of this, you’re back playing at your best. For Mbappe, that’s what’s going to happen.”

While Cisse missed the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Mbappe will return to the same nation 18 years later to spearhead France’s bid for a first European title since 2000. It is the only major international accolade missing from the 25-year-old’s trophy collection.

In a recent interview with American news outlet CNN, Mbappe said: “I know the opportunity to write history for my country so I’m going to be ready. Of course, it’s going to be difficult. Everyone knows how tough it is to win the Euros.

“I want to win the Euros. I won the World Cup, I won the Nations League. That’s the only one I’m missing for the national team. I really want to win this. It’s my first competition as captain so it’s really important for me and my country. We want them to be proud of us.”

Cisse believes Mbappe is well placed to do so, adding: “He’s one of the best players in the world, if not the best in the world. Like he is barely stoppable. The day he’s on fire, there’s nothing we can do but just count how many goals he’s going to score.”

Part of the French squads for the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, Cisse has played with a decorated generation of players in the ilk of Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and Zinedine Zidane.

He was famously part of the 2010 rebellion when the French Football Federation expelled Nicolas Anelka following an argument with then-manager Raymond Domenech during the 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

Djibril Cisse poses for photos after a football clinic for kids as part of the StarHub Football Festival held at Our Tampines Hub on April 20. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Cisse, along with several other squad players like Patrice Evra, went on strike and refused to train in support of Anelka ahead of a must-win final group match against hosts South Africa.

“It’s one of the worst memories of my career, way worse than my multiple injuries. It’s not what I want to be remembered for. I want to be known for my goals and my ability,” he said.

“I just thought Nicolas shouldn’t have been sent home. If we beat South Africa by two goals, we would have gone through. It was a crucial game and he can score goals. I think it was a mistake by the federation.”

France eventually lost 2-1 and crashed out in the group stage.

As Didier Deschamps’ men prepare to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria, Cisse thinks the players will carry extra motivation from their World Cup disappointment two years ago.

He said: “If they manage to win the Euros, it’s going to be the best generation of all time. They’re doing really well and improving year by year. Now is the time to really settle this debate and be the generation that won everything.”