For almost a year, the football media played out the future of Kylian Mbappe. Plenty of speculation as to whether the 23-year-old would leave his hometown for Real Madrid or turn down the Spanish giants.
Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mbappe spoke with Sports Illustrated (h/t Paris Fans) for an in-depth interview, and of course, one of the questions was regarding his decision to stay at Paris Saint-Germain and turn down Real Madrid.
“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.”
Although Mbappe is in his early 20s, he understands what a legacy means for an athlete. While joining Real Madrid would see him play at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Furthermore, winning the Champions League would see Mbappe fall behind the long list of players to win the competition. However, should he deliver the trophy at PSG, it would be the first in club history, and it would be for his hometown.
There’s also the idea of being the capital club’s all-time leading goal scorer and leaving his mark at PSG.
