According to Foot Mercato, Dembele addressed questions about his relationship with Mbappe at a press conference, clarifying there are no issues between them.

Ahead of France's Nations League match against Italy this afternoon, Dembele was asked again about previous comments he and Mbappe had made regarding the Ballon d'Or. He declined to engage: "No, nothing. As I said, I won't comment on these things. Those little social media spats... I'm already 29 years old, and I really don't have time to pay attention to that. I focus on what happens on the pitch."

When a journalist jokingly referred to Dembele as the "chosen player" for the press conference and asked if he was still friends with Mbappe, Dembele replied: "As I said, those things on social media... Yes, we communicate, and we sit next to each other at the table. There are no problems."

Asked about the difference for the French national team with or without Mbappe, Dembele said: "There is no difference. Mbappe is an important player for the national team, and he has proven that over many years. He has scored many goals and is the team captain. When he is here, we are all happy. Of course, other players can also step up. This is a team; all 23 players are important. That's what matters most."

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