Kylian Mbappé took his decision over his future as far as possible, resulting in the 23-year-old extending with Paris Saint-Germain and snubbing Real Madrid.
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League Matchday 1, the France international spoke with the New York Times Tariq Panja; the PSG star detailed the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron didn’t go as far as Brazil did to keep Pelé in the South American country when Europe’s top clubs were circling the Brazilian, but the politician did make it clear the vital role Mbappé has in the country.
“I never imagined I’m gonna talk with the president about my future, about my future in my career, so it’s something crazy, really something crazy,” Mbappé said.
“He told me: ‘I want you to stay. I don’t want you to leave now. You are so important for the country.’”
Furthermore, Macron added that Mbappé has enough time left in his career to possibly join Real Madrid in the future if he chooses.
“‘You have time to leave; you can stay a little bit more,’” Macron said, according to Mbappé. “Of course, when the president says that to you, that counts.”
Whether Macron’s words had any effect or not, Mbappé did say no to Real Madrid when many believed the forward was heading to the Spanish capital after PSG crashed out in the Champions League to Los Blancos.
With a new contract, Mbappé is ready to deliver PSG and Paris’ first Champions League trophy, cementing his legacy in his hometown since no one has accomplished this feat.
