Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele’s long-standing friendship has been strained by recent comments, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
Several days ago, Mbappe compared his career with that of Dembele, saying that Dembele had always been regarded as talented, while he himself had been viewed as “the chosen one”.
Dembele later responded by saying that he had worked hard throughout his career and had not simply been chosen.
Although neither player made an openly confrontational statement, L’Equipe reports that Dembele was unhappy with Mbappe’s remarks. The pair have been friends since they were 15 or 16, but the comments did not go down well with Dembele.
It is also reported that this is not the first time Dembele has been irritated by something Mbappe has said. The France forward has reportedly been frustrated by several of Mbappe’s comments in recent years.
However, the report says there will be no further public exchange between Mbappe and Dembele over the issue.