Theo stated in an interview with Diario AS that he once told Mbappe that Real Madrid is the best club in the world.
Do you think he's at the peak of his career when he's playing in the World Cup? His stats this season are outstanding.
Yes, I think so too. However, personally, I think the 2022 World Cup was also a great year. I feel like I've been training very hard in Saudi Arabia this year. I'm in good physical condition, and I hope this World Cup will be a success for me and the entire team.
Does he consider himself a favorite to win the World Cup?
Everyone says we are favorites to win the World Cup. But winning the World Cup is never easy. Many teams are at a very high level. We have to take it step by step. On the 16th, we will have our debut against Senegal, which will be our most important game. We must play steadily and move forward step by step.
Do you think Spain is also a favorite to win, just like you? You recently played against them. .
Of course. Spain is a favorite. We are also strong contenders. I think Germany is in there too, and some other strong teams. There are many very good teams. That's why I say that. Even some teams you think won't give you any trouble will end up doing so. As I said, we have to take it step by step and focus on ourselves. We are indeed a very good team. In my opinion, we are the best team, but we have to take it step by step.
Whenever a player joins a Saudi team, people usually say that his level will decline. When he joined Al-Hilal, wasn't he worried about losing his place in the French national team?
No, I'm not afraid. Indeed, people think that playing in Saudi Arabia will inevitably lead to a decline in level. But if you analyze the players in the Saudi League, you'll find that the level hasn't declined. In fact, the level is even higher now. Before, you might have thought the level was low, but now teams are strengthening their squads, and if you look at the roster of each team, I think the overall level is significantly improving. I don't think my level will decline. Look at Cancelo's example, he came from Saudi Arabia to play for Barcelona, and Kante, who played in Saudi Arabia and then returned to a high-level league. I think I'm still young, and returning to Europe in the future shouldn't be a problem.
Did you talk to Deschamps before going to Saudi Arabia? If you consulted him, what did he say?
Of course. I spoke to him to get his opinion on me going to play in Saudi Arabia. He trusted me, and with his trust, it was much easier to go to Saudi Arabia.
This will be Deschamps' last official tournament as coach. I don't know if the rumors about Zidane possibly joining – he coached you at Real Madrid – have reached the dressing room.
Deschamps will leave after the World Cup. I've been working with him since 2021, I think that's right. He's a great coach and a good man. We get along very well. As for Zidane, I worked with him at Real Madrid. I think he's also a great coach and a good man. We'll have to see what happens to him after the World Cup.
How do you think the level of the Saudi League compares to European leagues? Many people comment without watching Saudi football matches.
For me, it's not an easy league. It's a very competitive league. As I said before, there are many strong players here. For any player, no team is easy to deal with. We, Al-Hilal, are the best team in Asia. Every team wants to beat us, and playing against us is never easy.
Was there a possibility that he would join Atlético Madrid last year? There were many rumors about him at that time.
Yes, it was indeed a possibility. I received many offers, and several teams wanted me. Joining Atlético was also a possibility. As I said, I eventually accepted Al-Hilal's invitation because I wanted a major change in my career, especially on the competitive level. I'm very happy to have signed with them. My family and children are doing well, so I'm doing well too.
Is adapting to the local culture very different from adapting to European culture? Do you miss anything from your life in Europe that you don't have there?
Everything is different. The cultural differences are significant. I feel like I've adapted very well. I've had a fulfilling season, of course with ups and downs, as a player can't always be 100%, but honestly, I feel very happy and content here. As I said, my wife is doing well, and the children are happy, which is very important to me. I'm very happy. I have two years left on my contract, and I hope to play for a few more seasons.
He comes to the World Cup with 9 goals and 8 assists this season. Does he consider himself more of an attacking player than a pure full-back? In modern football, full-backs are now more often seen as forwards.
Honestly, I've always preferred attacking over defending, and I've said that many times before. It's true that here you have to focus more on defense, because the national team's forwards are excellent, and you don't have to take on so many defensive tasks. I have indeed scored quite a few goals and contributed many assists. I hope to do more in the future.
He plays on the same flank as Kylian Mbappe. How do they get along on the field? What does he think of Mbappe as captain?
Mbappe and I have a great relationship. Off the field, we are friends. On the field, we also know him: an outstanding footballer, a good captain, and he also knows that we will always support him.
You played for Real Madrid. Do you talk to Mbappe about the pressure of playing for Real Madrid? Or do you not discuss this during training camp?
No, I just told him that Real Madrid is the best club in the world. And, I've always watched him play. I often follow Real Madrid's games in Saudi Arabia because my friend Brahim is also there. Honestly, I think Mbappe has performed exceptionally well. He is an outstanding player, captain, and leader. We will always support Mbappe.
His brother Lucas just won the Champions League. I assume you watched the final against PSG. What's it like to share a changing room with your brother? Does it change the atmosphere on the field?
There are no problems between my brother and me. We are friends, like brothers. We get along very well. I'm very happy that he can play for the national team with us. I hope we can go further together in the World Cup.
Majadahonda Dabayo was promoted to the Spanish First Division this year. That was the first team he played for after coming to Madrid. Although he has been away from the team for a long time, does he still follow their results now?
Indeed, due to the distance, I haven't been able to follow the results of Majadahonda Dabayo. However, I do follow some games of Dabayo and Alavés, which is another team I used to play for. I'm very happy that they were able to get promoted and achieve such brilliant success.
Finally, if you win the World Cup with France, do you have any crazy celebration plans?
No, no. I haven't thought about it and have no ideas. If we win the World Cup, I'll see what I do. But one thing is for sure (laughs).