PSG forward Kylian Mbappe has denied that French President Emmanuel Macron has any influence over his career decisions.
Mbappe recently informed PSG of his intention not to extend his contract beyond its expiration date in 2024. Despite ongoing speculation, he clarified that he had not requested a move to Real Madrid.
In 2021, Macron publicly encouraged Mbappe to stay at PSG and continue playing in the French top flight. French media reports suggested that Macron would again try to persuade the forward to remain at the club. Mbappe, however, reiterated his commitment to PSG.
“What influence does the President have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my objective is to stay. We’re on the same wavelength,” Mbappe stated during a press conference ahead of France’s European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar on Friday.
When asked about leaving PSG, Mbappe replied, “I’ve already answered, I’ve said that my objective is to stay at PSG, that’s my only option at the moment. I’m ready to come back when pre-season resumes. I didn’t think a letter killed anyone or that I had offended anyone.”
PSG now face the dilemma of allowing Mbappe to enter the final year of his contract without recouping any of the €180m they spent to sign him from AS Monaco in 2017. Mbappe has consistently been the top scorer in Ligue 1 for the past five seasons.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Mbappe remains focused, stating, “What happens outside is secondary, I’ve always managed to do both. I want to show tomorrow [in Euro qualifiers between Gibraltar and France] that I’m a great player.”