Soccer-Mbappe in good spirits after difficult spell, says Konate

France captain Kylian Mbappe had put ​a difficult period behind him ​and is focused on ‌helping ​his team ahead of Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey, defender Ibrahima Konate said. Mbappe has ‌returned to the France squad after missing their last three matches through injury, having failed to win the Ballon d'Or award and attracting criticism in ‌China over his comments relating to Mao Zedong, modern China’s founding ‌leader.

"He's in a very good frame of mind; you can see that from his recent matches," Konate told reporters. "He's been decisive. He's absolutely vital for us in Madrid." The ⁠27-year-old ​Real Madrid forward ⁠finished second to England captain Harry Kane in the Ballon d'Or voting.

He also had ⁠to apologise for remarks made during an interview in which he referred to ​an online meme depicting his face on an image of Mao. The ⁠episode sparked backlash in China, prompting several brands to end commercial partnerships with Mbappe, ⁠while ​Spanish league matches were dropped from state broadcaster CCTV's schedule.

Konate, also Mbappe's club teammate at Real Madrid, said the World Cup winner ⁠had responded in typical fashion. "He's a competitor, so of course not winning ⁠the Ballon d'Or ⁠when he thought he had a chance is difficult," Konate said. "But the next day he was fully focused ‌in training."