‘It writes your name in the history of your country for life’: Kylian Mbappe reveals that he didn’t join Real Madrid because achieving success with Paris Saint-Germain ‘is something really special’
- Kylian Mbappe says glory with Paris Saint-Germain ‘is something really special
- Mbappe was heavily linked with Real Madrid but a deal didn’t materialise
- The striker could be part of the first PSG team to win the Champions League
Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Real Madrid as he wanted to ‘write his own story’ at Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe was heavily linked with a move to Real earlier this year but ended up signing a new contract with PSG in May.
A move appeared close at one stage, bur Mbappe eventually phoned Real president Florentino Perez to inform him that would not be signing for the club.
Kylian Mbappe says he didn’t join Real Madrid as he wants to write his own story with PSG
The 23-year-old admits that it would have been easier to join Real, but stressed that given that he is from Paris it would be extra special to enjoy success with PSG.
Mbappe told Sports Illustrated: ‘In Paris, the page is completely blank. What an opportunity! You have to think differently. Of course, it was easier to go to Madrid. But I have this ambition. I’m French. I’m a child of Paris, and to win in Paris, it’s something really special — really special. It writes your name in the history of your country for life.’
Mbappe was linked with Real but told president Florentino Perez a deal wasn’t happening
Mbappe has already had a lot of success with PSG, winning the league title four times and the Coupe de France on three occasions.
Success in the Champions League has so far eluded him, although he was part of the side that reached the final in 2020.
Given that PSG have never won the Champions League, it would be a huge honour for Mbappe to win the competition with the club.
Mbappe is looking to be part of the first ever PSG team to win the Champions League
The French side will face Bayern Munich in the last-16 and Mbappe could have a significant part to play in proceedings.
So far this season Mbappe has scored 18 goals in 19 matches for PSG across all competitions.
Mbappe’s current PSG contract runs until the summer of 2025 and it will be intriguing to see how long he stays at the club.
On the international stage Mbappe has already helped France to World Cup glory in 2018 and he will hope to do so again in Qatar.
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