During the 2021-22 football season, many in the media followed the story about where Kylian Mbappe would continue his career. It was between remaining at Paris Saint-Germain or heading to Real Madrid.
Former PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino had to answer his share of questions regarding the future of the 23-year-old. In an in-depth interview with Spanish media outlet Relevo, the Argentine spoke about the behind-the-scene details of the entire saga.
“He never asked me for advice,” Pochettino said. “He has many people around him, plus all those who advise him without his asking. We have had many talks, he is the player who has been in my office the most, day in and day out.
“We talked about his life, the things he likes and the things he doesn’t. He’s a boy who likes to talk about football a lot; he watches a lot of games. Sometimes he was watching the Portuguese league at his house and he would send me a photo of the moment. It is very easy to relate to him.”
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Mbappe also spoke in-depth about the decision to stay in his hometown rather than head abroad and join arguably the biggest club in football.
“In Paris, the page is totally blank. What an opportunity! You have to think differently,” Mbappe said. “Of course, it was easier to go to Madrid.
“But I have this ambition. I am French. I am a child of Paris, and winning in Paris is something really special – really special. This inscribes your name in the history of your country for life.”
Mbappe wanted to win in his hometown, leading him to remain in Paris rather than jumping on the train and heading to Madrid. These next few years will tell if the France international made the right decision.
He brought change to PSG as sporting advisor Luis Campos is tasked with building a team that can dominate domestically and challenges the UEFA Champions League.
