Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe said French President Emmanuel Macron had no influence on his career choice as he had lost his cool on Thursday when asked about his future with the Ligue 1 champions.
Kylian Mbappe sent a letter to PSG stating he had no intention of extending his contract, which expires in 2024, but he later clarified that he had not asked the French club to allow him to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
When Mbappe was linked with a move away from PSG in 2021, Macron urged him to stay at PSG and continue playing in France’s top flight.
French media reported earlier this week that Macron had said he would encourage Mbappe to stay, but the 24-year-old has only reiterated his stance that his plan is to stay with PSG next season.
“What influence would the president have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my goal is to stay. We are on the same wavelength,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of France’s match against Gibraltar on Friday. Friday, as quoted by ESPN.
“Will I leave PSG? I have already answered, I have said that my goal is to stay at PSG, it is my only option at the moment. I am ready to return when pre-season resumes,” he continued.
“I don’t think the letters killed anyone or that I offended anyone.”
PSG face the dilemma of letting Mbappe spend the final year of his contract and not being able to recoup the €180 million ($196.94 million) they spent in 2017 on the AS Monaco forward.
Sources have told ESPN that Real Madrid are ready to bid for Mbappe this summer, with PSG willing to listen to offers of around €150 million ($161.5 million) rather than risk losing him for free in a year’s time.
While Mbappe has said he wants to stay in Paris next season, a source close to the club’s dressing room has told ESPN he has told his team-mates he is also not ruling out leaving this summer.
Sources add that Madrid is the player’s preferred destination if he leaves PSG this summer.
