French forward Mbappe was interviewed by M6 TV, discussing his role in the French national team and his FIFA World Cup goals. He stated that he would accept not scoring a single goal in this FIFA World Cup if it ensured winning the trophy, and he would also do his best to help France reach the final.
On this season's situation
I am in excellent physical condition now. I am very happy to be back with the national team. This is a very important stage for us. The team is gradually processing many things, and we have completed good preparations. We know the road ahead will be difficult, but we are ready for the competition and to strive to reach the final.
On the physical and mental aspects of the FIFA World Cup
I feel I have experienced some difficult moments in my first two FIFA World Cups. We also know that very few people get to participate in the FIFA World Cup, which is both an identity and a responsibility. I believe that to make history, you must go through pain. We have made history once, and now we hope to do it again. Every team participating in the FIFA World Cup comes to make history.
Asked if he would accept winning the FIFA World Cup without scoring a single goal himself
I would sign immediately, I would accept it. If that really happens, I would be the first to celebrate on the Champs-Élysées.
On his third FIFA World Cup
I am happy to participate in this FIFA World Cup and help young players, especially in terms of emotional management. With the talent of our team, I won't teach my teammates how to play. You need to know how to manage pressure and also ensure everyone is in the best condition for the FIFA World Cup. Building a real team is not easy.
On the 2018 FIFA World Cup
I know how difficult it is to win the FIFA World Cup. As years pass, you must always maintain motivation and passion. These are very important in the FIFA World Cup, and only then can you go further.
On France's status as favorites in the FIFA World Cup
Why suppress the players' enthusiasm? The FIFA World Cup is not a two-leg home-and-away match; one bad game could mean going home. So we must control our emotions. This is the message I convey to everyone every day. We haven't achieved anything yet.
On the opening match against Senegal
A tough opponent? This is the FIFA World Cup. They are the African champions. I'm even a bit confused whether it's Senegal or Morocco (laughs). They are a very strong team, and starting with such an opponent is actually quite good. I know there's some history between Senegal and France, which will make the game even more interesting. This will be a great match in New York, and kids can watch it at 9 PM without staying up too late. It's interesting to start the FIFA World Cup this way. We need to eliminate any external doubts and we must win the game.
On the FIFA World Cup all-time top scorers list
This is certainly a good thing, because I'm already on the FIFA World Cup scorers list. But I don't know if it's particularly good, because compared to me, those on the list are quite 'old' (laughs). I'm lucky to have participated in two FIFA World Cups, gone far in both, and performed well. Of course, I want to continue making history. But what I want most is to bring the FIFA World Cup trophy back to France.
On Paris Saint-Germain teammates
I quickly congratulated those Paris teammates. It's definitely easier to console one teammate who lost the Champions League final, namely Saliba, than to console five people. They achieved great results. I know what it feels like to lose a Champions League final, so we also tried to console Saliba. The locker room atmosphere is very good now, and next, we will focus on our goal, which is the FIFA World Cup.
On whether he wants revenge against Argentina
No. Even if we win this FIFA World Cup, it won't become three consecutive championships; we cannot change the history that has already happened. They beat us, and they deserved the victory. But in the locker room, we don't have that obsession to meet Argentina again or to seek revenge. If we encounter them, we will compete with all our might. But that's not what we're thinking about now.
On the United States
This is like a place you must visit. I came to the US to play football, to feel my identity as a footballer, and to get our team recognized.
On what he wants to say to French fans
We will strive to make the French people proud of us. We will give our all to reach the FIFA World Cup final and be on the final stage on July 19th.