France attacker Kylian Mbappe says he is ‘obsessed’ with the idea of winning the World Cup with England the next side standing in the way of winning the competition.
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Two superb finishes by Mbappe for France against Poland on Sunday put the holders through and have the Paris Saint-Germain star on course to win the Golden Boot with his tally for the tournament now up to five.
Mbappe also made the assist for Olivier Giroud’s opener at Al Thumama Stadium but said after his team’s 3-1 win that personal accolades are of no interest to him during the next two weeks.
“The only objective for me is to win the World Cup,” Mbappe said in English. “Now to win the next game, the quarter-final, is the most important thing and that is what I dream. The only thing I dream of is this.
“I came here to win this World Cup. I didn’t come here to win the Golden Ball or Golden Boot. If I win it, of course I’m going to be happy but that’s not why I am here. I am here to win and to help the French national team.”
Mbappe later added: “Of course, this World Cup is an obsession for me, it’s the competition of my dreams. “I have built my season around this competition and around being ready both physically and mentally for it.
“I wanted to come here ready and so far things are going well, but we are still a long way from the objective we set and that I set.”
After scoring in group-stage wins over Australia and Denmark, Mbappe refused to take part in any post-match interviews and the French Football Federation will be fined by FIFA due to the player not speaking.
The PSG striker has revealed he will cover the costs of the fines but spoke about his radio silence after his last-16 exploits.
Mbappe added: “I know people have been asking why I haven’t been appearing in front of the media.
“It wasn’t anything personal, I can assure you of that. I have nothing against journalists but I just needed to focus on the tournament and on my football.
“When I want to concentrate on something, that is the way I function and that is why I did not want to come and speak to you before now.
“I learned that the French Football Federation would get fined and I said I would pay the fine myself because I didn’t think the Federation should pay on my behalf.
“So far things have been going well but we are a long way from the ultimate objective, which is to win the World Cup. Now we have to focus on the quarter-final and that is the most important thing now.”
