PSG Sporting Director Luis Campos, who was expected to remain tight-lipped on the reports of Kylian Mbappe handing in a transfer request, rather came out all guns blazing slamming the links. The Parisians were slated to take on Benfica in their reverse fixture in Champions League just when the rumour mill pulled the rabbit out of the hat. The fans were perplexed as Kylian Mbappe was named in the starting line-up by manager Christophe Galtier, as the attacker scored his side’s goal in the 1-1 draw.
Campos then clarified the reports, as he termed the fake and insisted Mbappe is here stay. The 23-year-old has just penned a three-year extension at the club in May, which made him the highest earner footballer. Mbappe’s new deal came after he rejected an imminent move to Real Madrid, who were all set to acquire his services for free. According to new reports now, they could still sign him in January as he wants out, which is for now being denied by Campos.
Kylian Mbappe will stay to fulfil his contract – Campos on French star’s exit rumours
The reports linking Kylian Mbappe with an exit, also have revealed the reasons so as to why the attacker wants out just five months after signing a new contract. The World Cup winner reportedly agreed to turn down a move to Real, after he was promised the club would bring in a new No. 9 to relieve him of playing from the middle. A new center-back was on his wishlist as well, but the Les Parisians failed to buy either of them.
Furthermore, Mbappe’s falling out with Neymar and his cold relationship with Lionel Messi have intensified his wish to quit the club. However, Campos has denied all the reports and rumours, and asserted that the PSG No.7 will see out his deal which runs till the summer of 2025. In his interview with RMC Sport, Campos said:
“I categorically deny it [Mbappe wanting to leave]. If he is happy or not, that is a question you have to put to him. It is a very personal question. I see Kylian working, he is an extraordinary professional. For example, he played badly in the last match at Reims, he made a big effort for the team and I see him arrive with his teammates, happy every day, and with plenty of desire to work.
“He has never said anything to me. Not to me or anyone else… And I have just asked the [club] President [Nasser Al Khelaifi]. For me it is clear that Kylian Mbappe will stay to fulfil his contract with PSG, but it is no coincidence that information like this would come out two or three hours before a match.
“There are rumours every day, and we can’t talk about them every day. But this one, it is serious because my name is there. An impact on the locker room? No, they are experienced players. It’s not real news anyway, and it’s not going to disrupt the group.
“We speak with Kylian every day, as with Neymar, Danilo, Vitinha and Verratti. All the players have their ideas, and we discuss. On recruitment, we talked about it a month ago. It was very clear. And today, we work every day to be stronger.”
Despite the off-field rumours, Mbappe however looks undeterred on the pitch having scored 12 goals in 13 games in all competitions. PSG next face Marseille test as the young-gun will look to continue with his scoring spree. Above all, his focus should now be on the World Cup with France which is slated for next month as they will bid to retain their title.