- Benjamin Mendy has said Kylian Mbappe upstaged him in their France initiations
- The pair had to sing in front of the squad ahead of their international debuts
- And the Manchester City defender admitted he was upset Mbappe outshone him
- Mendy is currently injured but hopes to return to fitness to play in the World Cup
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has revealed he was upset after Kylian Mbappe upstaged him in their France initiations.
Mendy made his international debut last March and registered an assist as France beat Luxembourg 3-1 in their Group A World Cup qualifier.
The 23-year-old admitted it was the perfect way to cap his France debut, but something that happened prior to the match did somewhat spoil the occasion for him.
Benjamin Mendy has revealed Kylian Mbappe left him feeling upset after his France debut
Mbappe, who at the time was playing alongside Mendy for Monaco, was also making his first international appearance.
Before the match in Luxembourg the two debutants were required to perform a song in front of the squad at dinner as a rite of passage.
For Mendy, a vibrant character who has quickly established himself as the king of social media since moving to the Premier League, you would think he would be made for such a convention.
The pair made their international bows last March, when they were both playing for Monaco
But he was outshone by his younger team-mate and to this day it still leaves a slightly bitter taste in his mouth.
He wrote in the Times: ‘My debut was such a good feeling. The only thing that upset me then was Kylian Mbappe, who upstaged me in our initiation in front of our team-mates.
‘You know how it is, we have to sing in front of everyone, standing up on a chair before the dinner.
But Mendy said Mbappe upstaged him in front of their team-mates by doing a better initiation
The 23-year-old admitted Mbappe can actually sing but he was upset by being upstaged
‘He had everything prepared and it went very well for him. Kylian can actually sing. I’m still wondering if there’s anything that boy can’t do.’
Mendy has managed three more appearances for France since his debut but has been sidelined for the past four months with a serious knee injury.
He ruptured his ACL in Manchester City’s victory over Crystal Palace back in September but is hopeful of returning to action soon with plans of playing in this year’s World Cup.
He added: ‘To play in this competition and represent my country seemed so far away a few weeks back… and now it’s so close.
‘I would be so proud to be part of this adventure, to feel the unique atmosphere of a major tournament. I already imagine how it would be, the different countries, the people, the fans. It’s very exciting.’
The Manchester City defender is currently injured but hopes to be fit for this year’s World Cup