Kylian Mbappe says he will be announcing his next club ‘in due course’ after playing his last match for Paris Saint-Germain.
♦ Mbappe won final match for PSG
♦ Gave farewell interview post-match
♦ Expected to announce Real Madrid move soon
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Frenchman finally closed the book on his time at PSG by winning the Coupe de France against Lyon. Mbappe was lifted into the air by his team-mates after the match and although he did not get on the scoresheet, he unsurprisingly made a significant impact for his boyhood club. After picking up his winners medal, the 25-year-old reflected on his time in Paris and refused to give too much away about his next move, but he did let slip that an announcement is coming soon.
WHAT MBAPPE SAID
He said: “Playing for PSG is unique, it’s something strong that I recommend to all those who want to experience greatness in their country by being French. Everything I had here, I’m not going to relive it anywhere else but hey, I’m going to experience something else and I’m sure it will be magical.
“The best thing to do is to finish saying goodbye. All I wanted was to finish well with my club. There is a trophy. There is a time for everything. I will announce my new club in due time. It’s only a few days left so there’s no problem.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
No true PSG fan will want Mbappe to leave and they may even feel annoyed that he is joining and strengthening one of their European rivals. But the World Cup winner has been a brilliant servant to his hometown club and has given them six years of his career. His and PSG’s failure to win the Champions League will perhaps leave a sour taste but Mbappe has achieved enough in France to be considered a club legend.
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
While we wait for Mbappe’s official announcement that he is joining Real Madrid, attention can turn to Euro 2024 which will feature the global superstar. France’s 77-cap international is yet to win the tournament but will be keen to add it to his international collection that features the World Cup and Nations League.