Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe claims he was not informed that Kylian Mbappe would be taking his vice-captaincy role.
Prior to PSG’s 7-0 victory of sixth-tier minnows US Pays de Cassel on Monday, in which he scored five goals, French megastar Mbappe was notably given the armband.
Previously serving as club captain Marquinhos’ deputy, Kimpembe was demoted as a result of the move.
The France international, 27, insists that the decision only dawned on him when manager Christophe Galiter told Mbappe that he’d wear the armband ahead of the Coupe de France tie.
What Did Kimpembe Say?
After rumours that Kimpembe had stepped down from the position began to circulate, the centre-back took to social media to refute the claims and state that he was “not made aware” until the match.
“In the last few hours I have been able to hear and read a lot about myself,” Kimpembe wrote on Instagram.
“I therefore wish to make things clear in order to avoid continuing to spread false information in this regard. I was not made aware of this decision, this is completely false. That said, I will always respect the decisions of the club.”
🚨🚨 Presnel Kimpembe affirme ne pas avoir été mis au courant qu’il n’était plus vice-capitaine ! ❌
« Cela dit, je respecterai toujours les décisions du club ». pic.twitter.com/zER6R2RMri
— Hadrien Grenier (@hadrien_grenier) January 24, 2023
PSG academy graduate Kimpembe has missed much of the season through injury but remains a fan favourite due to his upbringing at the club. He’s yet to feature for the Ligue 1 champions in 2023, having last played before the World Cup break on November 13.
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Galtier suggested post-match that the call to hand over the armband to Mbappe was because the 24-year-old opted to stay at PSG ahead of the campaign.
“I decided that he is the second captain since the beginning of the season, he deserves to have this armband when Marquinhos is not there, because he has decided to stay,” the French tactician explained.
His comments came despite making Italy international Marco Verratti captain for the side’s last league game before the World Cup.
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