Real Madrid is set to travel to the French capital to take on Paris Saint-Germain next week in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
The matchup will see Los Blancos reunited with former club stars Keylor Navas and defender Sergio Ramos and also renew the decade-long rivalry with Lionel Messi.
Most importantly, however, Real Madrid will square off with prolific forward Kylian Mbappe two more times before he is expected to make his fateful transfer to Madrid this summer on a free deal.
Over the weekend, Mbappe noted the interesting position he currently finds himself in which could be viewed as concerning by Madridistas.
🚨🚨| Kylian Mbappé: "I have NOT made a decision yet. The fact that I'm playinst against Real Madrid changes a lot of things. I can't go talk to the opposition even though I'm allowed to do it. I will focus on winning and then we will see." @CanalSupporters #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 6, 2022
Taken out of context, this comment alone might stress out the fans who have waited months and years for the deal to finally go through. That being said, I am here to tell you to relax and look for the full quote with context attached.
🚨🌕| Kylian Mbappé's message in his interview last night was that he will not talk to Real Madrid before the #UCL tie, but that he would've done it if the two clubs weren't drawn against each other, and that he will definitely do it once the tie is over. @Tanziloic #rmalive pic.twitter.com/d1htZVasoM
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 7, 2022
The first tweet might signal that Mbappe has suddenly had a change of heart about playing at Real Madrid, but in reality, he is staying professional and loyal to his current club for the time being.
Mbappe does not want to harm his relationship with PSG and the fans. While a move to Real Madrid over the summer seems more and more likely – and as German outlet BILD confirmed about a week ago – the player is taking the correct stance.
Remember when Chelsea sent Real Madrid home from the UCL last season in the semifinal and former Chelsea man Eden Hazard was seen laughing and joking after the defeat with his former teammates and friends?
Mbappe has done his homework and knows that he cannot show a soft side to the competition in a tournament like the Champions League
All the reports and rumors continue to show one theme: Mbappe is not willing to sign a new contract with the Parisians and has only one destination on his list when he becomes a free agent.
Real Madrid.
The club has taken great care of its budget over the pandemic and during the ongoing Santiago Bernabeu renovations, allowing them to pay Mbappe whatever he wants in terms of salary and incentives.
The questions regarding Mbappe’s impending transfer have changed from ‘if’ to when’ and even include Erling Haaland as well. Don’t put too much stake into the original comments made by Kylian Mbappe.
He will be a Real Madrid player this summer. I have little doubt of that.