Paris (DPA/Stats Perform)
Kylian Mbappe, the French star of Paris Saint-Germain, discussed his possible move to Real Madrid with Argentine star Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar, but said that he did not need persuasion in order to link his future with the French capital team.
The French international had been strongly linked with the move to Real Madrid, before his team announced last Saturday the renewal of his contract to continue at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe, who was scheduled to be free to move from next month, signed a new three-year contract in the French capital, and celebrated that by scoring three hat-trick goals once morest Metz on the same day.
Mbappe will be with the two stars Messi and Neymar once more next season, and the 23-year-old confirmed that he talked regarding his future with the duo before making his decision.
Mbappe said in a press conference today, Monday: “We’ve had a difficult season but we talked a little bit, and they told me that it was a personal choice, they fully understood.”
He added: Whether you are in Paris or Madrid, these are clubs that do not need persuasion in order to play for them. For any player it would be an honor to play for one of these two clubs.
Mbappe continued: I play with big stars, and that’s what I wanted.
French press reports had stated that Mbappe signed the new contract, following receiving promises of additional powers, including expressing an opinion on the transfer market and appointing coaches.
It was also said that Mbappe would receive the captain’s armband as a reward for his loyalty, although the World Cup-winning star is not looking to get it from teammate Marquinhos.
Mbappe said: “Marquinhos deserves the badge, I don’t need to be a leader to be heard or to be a role model on the pitch.”
“Marquinhos is a great player and a very great captain, who is important to us.”