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Kylian Mbappe provides insight into Paris Saint-Germain departure
Kylian Mbappe. Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports

Kylian Mbappe provides insight into Paris Saint-Germain departure

In his first news conference since joining Real Madrid CF, forward Kylian Mbappe further explained why he left Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Mbappe claimed that PSG "violently" told him it wouldn't let him play until he signed an extension. Manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos intervened and didn't let this happen. The 25-year-old also hinted there was tension between him and certain club members.

"(Saying) I wasn't unhappy at PSG, that would be a slap in the face of the people who defended me — I have always been happy," Mbappe said Tuesday, via ESPN. "But certain things made me unhappy, but a player like me couldn't show that because I am a leader, so I tried to be as positive as possible. The coach, the players and the employees of the club supported me, and it would be bad form to come and moan and say that I was unhappy. But certain things and people made me unhappy."

Last Summer, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told reporters that the club wouldn't let him "leave for free" and wanted him to sign a new contract. Perhaps this statement contributed to Mbappe's problems with the club.

Regardless, Mbappe's departure is a massive loss for the Parisians, and he's now in a better situation with Real Madrid. The Spanish club boasts a star-studded roster, which includes forward Vinicius Junior and midfielder Jude Bellingham.  

On Saturday, Real Madrid clinched a record 15th UEFA Champions League title in a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund. Don't be surprised if Mbappe helps it win another title. In seven seasons with PSG, he scored 175 goals and logged 56 assists, winning French Player of the Year three times. 

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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