It was supposed to be the summer of Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus, the Spanish giants had reached the top of European football once again, but they did not have a global superstar as the face of the team, with the Eden Hazard transfer proving to be a mistake. The French World Cup winner was expected to arrive as a free agent and fill that role.
It was no secret that he had grown up as a fan of Ronaldo, and most fans believed that it was only a matter of time before we saw Mbappe in the Royal White jersey, just like his idol.
He was even cheered by the Real Madrid fans when PSG visited Santiago Bernabeu last season in the Champions League last 16. The belief was that they were seeing Los Blancos’ big summer signing. Yet, there was a twist in the tale.
Mbappe would go on to sign a bumper new deal with PSG, ending hopes of a blockbuster free transfer to Real Madrid. Now, the Frenchman has shed some light on his decision.
Mbappe explains why he turned down chance to join Real Madrid to remain at PSG
As reported by Sports Illustrated, Mbappe said about his decision:
"“I always talk about my ambition, what I want to do, and now it’s time.“In Paris, the book is fully white. What an opportunity! You have to think differently. Of course, it was easier to go to Madrid. But I have this ambition. I’m French. I’m a child of Paris, and to win in Paris, it’s something really special—really special. It writes your name in the history of your country for life.”"
It is safe to say that it was one of the most talked about transfer sagas in football history and certainly one of the most controversial as well when you consider how it ended, with Mbappe staying at PSG.
That has left a bitter taste in the mouths of a lot of Real Madrid fans, who do not want to see him join the club ever again. On the other hand, there are already rumours of Mbappe wanting away, just months after signing his new deal with PSG. Let’s see what the future holds for him.