Transfer Centre

Kylian Mbappe confirms President Macron had role in rejecting Real Madrid offer

By Ben Sully | 06 September 2022

Mbappe confirms Macron had role in rejecting Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe reveals that Emmanuel Macron played a key role in his decision to turn down a move to Real Madrid and remain with Paris Saint-Germain.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron played a role in him turning down a move to Real Madrid.

The France international was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, but he ultimately decided to sign a new contract to remain with PSG.

Speaking to the New York Times, Mbappe refused to rule out a future transfer to the European champions as well as highlighting the lure of Real Madrid.

Mbappe said: "You never know what's going to happen. You've never been there [Real Madrid], but it seems like it's like your house, or something like this."

The 22-year-old also confirmed that President Macron played an important role in his decision to remain in the French capital.

Mbappe revealed: "I never imagined I was going to talk with the president about my future, about my future in my career, so it's something crazy, really something crazy.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi pictured with Kylian Mbappe on May 21, 2022 © Reuters

"He told me 'I want you to stay, I don't want you to leave now as you are so important for the country.

"He said 'You have time to leave, you can stay a little bit more. Of course, when the president says that to you, that counts."

Mbappe also hit out at claims that since agreeing a new contract he has been given increased power and influence at PSG.

The striker added: "That's not my job and I don't want to do this because I'm not good at it, I'm good on the pitch and outside the pitch. [Sporting decisions] are not my role. There are so many people that are better than me."

The Frenchman has scored seven goals in five appearances for PSG this season, and he is set to feature in his club's Champions League opener against Juventus on Tuesday.