Didier Deschamps admits Adrien Rabiot will have to prove his desire to play for France before he is considered for selection in the future.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, 23, withdrew from the list of standby players selected for this summer’s World Cup, and subsequently criticised Deschamps’ decision to leave him out of his 23-man squad.
Asked if Rabiot will be back in his future selections, Deschamps told French television show Telefoot: “Right now, I don’t think he has that desire. We will see in the future.
“All the players have to put the France team above all else. With regard to what he has done, I don’t think that is the case for him.”
Rabiot had explained his decision in an open letter posted on his Instagram account on Saturday, in which he claimed: “When I decided to withdraw my name from the list of reserves, it was because I felt the choice of the coach did not correspond to any sporting logic.
“For many years the message has been clear, it is performances with your club which open the door to the France team.
“Since my first senior call-up in May 2016 I have played with my club, PSG, one of Europe’s big clubs, in 88 matches, 13 of them in the Champions League, scored nine goals and won seven trophies.”
Deschamps, speaking on Sunday morning, responded: “He only has to watch the three games he has played for France.
“He has taken this decision, which is an error. It’s too bad for him. The players are free to make their decisions. I can understand his immense disappointment.
“I only make decisions on a sporting basis. If he is hurt because he thinks he is better than others… why not? He has the right to think that.
“It’s not just a question of his level, it’s to do with a profile. I have taken Steven N’Zonzi because he is in a different category in terms of the construction of my team.”
