The French national team head coach has reacted to claims that the Atletico Madrid star was 'upset' about the decision taken.

Didier Deschamps has responded to claims that Antoine Griezmann is "upset and hurt" by the decision to name Kylian Mbappe as the new captain. Amid reports that the Atletico Madrid man is 'reconsidering his future' with the national team, the head coach of the French national team has come clean on how the choice was eventually made and the way forward.

Following the retirement of Hugo Lloris from international duty in January, who had captained the team to victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final in Qatar last year, the French national team was left without a captain. Raphael Varane, who was expected to take over the armband, announced his retirement at the age of 29, leaving coach Didier Deschamps in search of a new on-field leader. Finally, on Tuesday, Deschamps announced that the new captain of the team would be Kylian Mbappe.

"Kylian Mbappe is the new France captain. Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain," he told French outlet Telefoot. "Kylian ticks all the boxes to have this responsibility. On the pitch as well as within the squad, by being a key element."

The decision has since not gone down well with Griezmann whom many deemed as the rightful successor to inherit the captain's armband. Since making his debut in 2014, he has been a mainstay in the side and has started a record 74 consecutive games for France. However, the feat could be in jeopardy, with the attacker seemingly considering his future with the national team following the latest development.

Ahead of France's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches, Deschamps has lifted the lid off the lingering issue. Asked if there was any element of disappointment on the part of Griezmann, he said: "He [Griezmann] knew very well that he had the possibility of being it (captain). I spoke with him, but despite it all giving it to Kylian is not taking it away from Antoine.

"Antoine, he has something additional as well, he has always been a very important player, I have always kept my confidence in him during much more difficult periods for him. Antoine, with what he does on the pitch, he is a key pillar in the sense of being the motor. He was and he will remain so in the future."

In the meantime, Antoine Griezmann has been named the vice-captain and is expected to play a crucial role in France's EURO 2024 journey under the guidance of Deschamps. The duo was seen in good spirits before and during a media-open training session at the Clairefontaine French national team base on Tuesday. France's upcoming EURO 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at home on Friday will mark Mbappé's debut as captain for the national team.