Al-Khelaifi says, Mbappe never wanted to leave PSG despite Real Madrid’s interest

Kylian Mbappe-Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe-Paris Saint-Germain Photo Credit: IMAGO

Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe never wanted to leave PSG, according to the club president Al-Khelaifi.

The French forward looked to be on the verge of signing for the Spanish giants last summer before eventually signing a new deal at Parc des Princes.

And now Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has insisted that Mbappe never actually wanted to leave the Ligue 1 club – even as he asked to join Real Madrid last summer.

Mbappe’s decision to stay in France caused uproar in Spain, with Liga chief Javier Tebas even filing an official complaint to UEFA over the striker’s new deal.

“I rejected €180 million last summer from Real Madrid for Mbappe because I knew that Kylian wanted to stay at PSG,” Al-Khelaifi told Marca.

“I know him very well. I know what he and his family want, and they don’t move for money. He has chosen to play here for his city.”

Al-Khelaifi also referenced Tebas, who dubbed Mbappe’s decision “an insult to football”.

“What we do, we do it because we know we can. It is not our style to talk about other leagues, clubs or federations,” he added.

“We are not giving lessons and we are not going to allow anyone to give us lessons. Every year is the same. We are going to continue building our project.”