Kylian Mbappe has open up on his decision to stay back at Paris Saint Germain and ditch Real Madrid.
Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has opened up on his contract at the French club after he snubbed Real Madrid.
The French forward has been on the verge of signing for Real Madrid but made a U-turn on his decision by signing an exorbitant contract with PSG.
Spain’s La Liga reacted angrily to the news about the deal as they refer to the deal as “scandalous”.
Mbappe, regarded as one of the best players in the world, says he spoke to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez directly to inform him of his decision before signing the contract extension at PSG.
“It was last week I made the decision to stay,” he added.
“First of all I spoke to the president of Real Madrid because I have a lot of respect for him and the club. I think it was important to say it personally that I wasn’t going to go.
“To be a great player [you have] to be honest and everything was great and good because we have a good relationship.”
Speaking earlier on Monday in a news conference, Mbappe said his decision to remain at PSG was partly based on sentimental reasons and believes there are “more wonderful chapters to write” at the club.
“Leaving my country isn’t the right thing,” he said.
“There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country.
“The ongoing project has changed as well. That has made me want to stay here because I don’t think my story is over yet.
“That goes for me collectively and individually. I think there are many more wonderful chapters to write.”
Champions League success has so far eluded PSG but the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi believes that, with Mbappe now staying, European glory can be achieved.
“We want to create more trophies. We have won plenty so far, we want to win many more,” he said.
“We want to win the Champions League. We are headed down the same path with our sporting goals.”
There had been reports PSG offered Mbappe more control over sporting decisions in an effort to convince him to stay.
But the forward said his sole focus and responsibility for the club is what he can do on the pitch.
“I remain a footballer, who is part of a team, and I will not go beyond this role,” added Mbappe.
“Everyone knows that last year I wanted to leave and I was convinced that it was the best choice, but the years go by and things change.”
