Mbappe’s camp issues statement after criticism over striker’s trip to Italy

Kylian Mbappe is facing heavy criticism in Spain after travelling to Italy for a holiday while recovering from an injury.

The Frenchman travelled to Italy with his girlfriend Ester Exposito last week, while the other Real Madrid players were preparing for the Espanyol match.

This drew widespread reactions not only from Real Madrid fans, but also within the club. Reports say that people in Madrid’s dressing room are far from happy with the 27-year-old.

The French star has not commented following the widespread criticism from Spanish fans and media.

But Mbappe’s camp has issued a statement about the situation, responding to his critics. Mbappe’s camp says the matter is being misinterpreted.

“Some of the criticism is based on an excessive interpretation of elements relating to a recovery period that is being strictly supervised by the club,” the statement to AFP said.

There have been reports that Mbappe had decided to focus on the World Cup after Real Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League.

“This does not correspond to the reality of Kylian Mbappe’s commitment and the work he does every day for the benefit of the team,” the statement continued, suggesting that the French star remains fully committed to Real Madrid.

There are reports of considerable tension in the Real Madrid dressing room. Various media outlets have written that Mbappe was involved in a heated argument with one of coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s staff members during a training session.