In what seemed to be a long-term commitment to Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe reaffirmed his aim to win the Champions League with the team. Although the final year of that contract is an optional renewal on the player’s part, the striker signed a new three-year agreement in Paris last May. Despite signing that contract, he has long been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes, with Real Madrid the potential suitors.
A move to the Spanish capital had almost materialised as well for Kylian Mbappe last summer, with the Los Blancos even reportedly having kept ready a long-term contract for the Frenchman with a hefty chunk of money put aside for his salary. However, Mbappe ditched them in a last-minute move and penned an extension with the Parisians, which left Real president Florentino Perez.
‘I’m a Parisian!’ – Kylian Mbappe commits future to PSG
While his sudden change of mind angered Real Madrid last summer, Kylian Mbappe’s latest comments might even add to the fury of the reigning European, Spanish and World champions. The newly selected France captain made it clear he has no plans to depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid prevailing lure of Real Madrid.
Mbappe provided a no-nonsense answer, committed to his current side when questioned about if he would think about leaving PSG. He further reiterated his aspirations to bring a Champions League title back to his home nation, despite his current deal with PSG entering its final 12 months. Mbappe told France 3:
“The next step? Winning the Champions League. I have already made a final, semi-final, quarter-final, round of 16 … I have done everything but win. That’s all I need. Where [I want to do it]? In Paris. I’m a Parisian and under contract. So it’s PSG.”
PSG are already out of the Champions League this season, after Bayern Munich dumped them out of the round of 16. This was the Parisians’ second straight season where they failed to make it past the first knockout round, and head coach Christophe Galtier is likely to be fired in the summer. Despite PSG reaching their only final in 2020, they are still to win the coveted trophy. They had now been eliminated in the Round of 16 five times in the previous seven seasons.
Mbappe has continued to excel on the pitch in spite of the turmoil that has surrounded him this season. The 24-year-old has scored 31 goals in all competitions and surpassed former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani to become the PSG’s all-time top goalscorer.
There has also been the French striker’s ongoing alleged dispute with attacking teammate Neymar. The two superstars fell out over the order of penalty-takers earlier this season in a Ligue 1 match and there has been a backdrop of suggestions that Mbappe is unhappy at PSG.
Nonetheless, his comments will come as a huge relief to the Parisians, after only last week, the striker slammed the club’s season ticket renewal marketing since it mainly emphasised on his contribution. Kylian Mbappe made the following statement on Instagram:
“I have just taken part in the viewing of the club’s renewal campaign for the 23/24 season. At no time was I informed of the content of the interview with my interlocutor. It looked like a basic interview at a club marketing day. I disagree with this posted video. That’s why I fight for individual image rights. PSG is a big club and a big family, but it is certainly not Kylian Saint-Germain. Cordially.”