Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has criticized France for its treatment of Lionel Messi during his two seasons in Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi joined the French champions in 2021 on a free transfer from Barcelona and despite winning the league twice, the forward has struggled to adapt to life at PSG.
Lionel Messi was booed by PSG fans after the team was knocked out of the Champions League over the past few seasons.
Messi chose not to renew his contract with PSG at the end of the season and will join Inter Miami from Major League Soccer.
Mbappe has defended his former team-mate at the club and says he deserves more respect in France.
“We are talking about potentially the best player in the history of football,” Mbappe told Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport as quoted by ESPN.
“It’s never good news when someone like Messi leaves.”
“Personally I haven’t really understood why so many people are relieved he’s gone. We’re talking about Messi, he should be respected – but otherwise, he didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. It’s a shame, but that’s how it happened. He should be replaced as soon as possible.”
Mbappe also added that he never asked PSG to allow him to move to Real Madrid this summer, insisting he is happy to play in the French capital next season but will not renew his contract with the club.
Kylian Mbappe caused a stir when he sent a letter to the club stating that he has no intention of extending his contract with PSG, which will expire in 2024 if he does not activate a clause that will extend his contract for another 12 months.
PSG risk losing Mbappe for free in June 2024. He will also be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club from January if he decides to spend the remaining years of his contract at PSG.
“I didn’t ask to be sold or to go to Real Madrid,” Mbappe said. “I’ve just confirmed that I don’t want to activate the extra year foreseen in the contract. We never spoke about a renewal with PSG, but I’m happy to stay here next season.”
ESPN reported on Wednesday that Madrid are ready to bid for Mbappe this summer and the player wants a move to the LaLiga giants. Sources add that PSG are willing to listen to offers of around €150 million ($161.5 million) for the France captain.
Real Madrid have courted Mbappe in the past but failed to land him. He signed a contract extension with PSG in May last year.
However, the Spanish club are rebuilding their squad after missing out on Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and could turn their sights on Mbappe, who has finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1 for the past five seasons.
