Kylian Mbappe Speaks Up about Staying at PSG
Kylian Mbappe, the star striker of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team, spoke up about his future on Thursday. In a news conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Portugal, Mbappe confirmed that staying in PSG was his only option for now. He also denied having any discussions about extending his contract with PSG beyond next year.
Last week, Mbappe sent a letter to the club stating that he would not take up an option to remain at the French champions until 2025. This immediately raised the prospect of the 24-year-old forward, one of the most coveted players in world football, following Lionel Messi out of Parc des Princes this summer. However, when asked if he was surprised that PSG could look to sell him, Mbappe replied, “No, there’s not much that shocks me.”
Despite the speculations, the French captain denied interfering with the national team’s preparations by sending the letter four days before the Gibraltar fixture. “I have a responsibility as captain. A few noises won’t make me run away from this responsibility. It’s not my temperament to run away,” he added.
Mbappe also addressed the comments of President Emmanuel Macron, who said he would “try to push” for the player to stay in France. “He wants for me to stay in Paris, and my goal is to stay, so we’re on the same wavelength,” said Mbappe.
The next few days are crucial for Mbappe and the French national team. After playing Gibraltar in Faro, France will host Greece on Monday in Group B of Euro 2024 qualifying. Mbappe was named as France’s new captain before they began Euro qualifying in March with wins over the Netherlands and Ireland. With the Dutch currently focused on the Nations League finals, France can all but wrap up qualification by claiming back-to-back victories.
