Le Graet apologizes after Mbappe and Real Madrid object to Zidane's comments

French Football Federation (FFF) President Noel Le Graet has apologized after being accused by Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe has been one of many to target Le Graet following comments he made after it was confirmed that Didier Deschamps will remain France head coach.< /p>

Le Graet said he didn't care if Zidane, who had been strongly tipped to succeed Deschamps, ended up accepting another job.

The 81-year-old also said he wouldn't pick up the phone if ex-midfielder Zidane called him to discuss national team training.

Many have called on Le Graet to apologize, with Mbappe posting on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Madrid issued a statement on Monday criticizing the 'unfortunate comments'.

Los Blancos also referred to previous remarks made by Le Graet regarding striker Karim Benzema, who recently announced his retirement from international duties.

Madrid's condemnation was quickly followed by Le Graet issuing his own statement in which he attempted to backtrack.

"These clumsy remarks have created a misunderstanding," said Le Graet, president of the FFF since June 2011.

"I would like to offer my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in May 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions League and two La Liga titles in two terms.

As a player, Zidane earned 108 caps for France and helped his country win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later.

The 50-year-old has also been touted as a candidate to take over as Brazil head coach, while the United States have reportedly made an approach.