Kylian Mbappe is the superstar forward of French football and is the subject of much speculation with regard to his future at Paris Saint-Germain. Djibril Cisse had to deal with similar chatter roughly 20 years ago. The former France international has said the current star of the national team needs to have a feeling in his heart and his head when thinking about a transfer.
Djibril Cisse has said Kylian Mbappe needs to have a feeling in his head and heart as to when to make the move from Ligue 1 to foreign shores.
Mbappe is one of the superstars of the game and has long been tipped to make a move abroad, with Real Madrid persistently linked.
The France international committed itself to Paris Saint-Germain for at least the 2023/24 season, but rumors are sure to grow as the campaign progresses.
Cisse made a move from Auxerre to Liverpool when he was 23, and feels age is no barrier to a transfer.
“All this happens in the head and in the heart,” Cisse told Eurosport France. “If you feel ready and mentally strong enough, there is not necessarily an age limit.”
Cisse was famous for his pace, a key weapon in Mbappe’s armor, and comparisons have been drawn between the pair.
The former France international can see similarities, but feels Mbappe has more refinement to his game.
“Our primary qualities are speed, but he also has technique,” Cisse said. “I was more about speed, power and strength. Kylian is more refined in his game. I don’t think we’re the same caliber of player.”
It was almost 20 years ago that Cisse left Ligue 1 for Liverpool and much has changed in the game, but the 42-year-old feels his skill set would stand up to the highest levels of football in the present day.
“I would have had the qualities to perform,” Cisse said. “I definitely think I would have had a blast. Today, defenses take a few more risks in their build-up, play a little higher and a little more on the ball.
“With my speed, I could have done some damage. It would have been fun for face players like Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland to gauge my level.”
While Mbappe is the standout player in Ligue 1, Cisse has been impressed by his forwards at Monaco and Lens.
“I really like Folarin Balogun (Monaco),” Cisse said. “He’s a bit like me. He is an instinctive player who goes in behind. He doesn’t think twice before doing things. He goes with the flow and tries things. I also like Elye Wahi (Lens).”