On Thursday, Kylian Mbappe declared that remaining with Paris Saint-Germain was his “only option for now” after the France sensation informed the club that he would not be extending his contract through 2024.
Mbappe declared at a press conference on Friday that he will be staying at PSG for the foreseeable future. Portugal hosts a Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday night against Gibraltar.
Mbappe notified the club this week that he will not be exercising his option to continue with the French champions until 2025.
Mbappe said on Friday, “I didn’t think a letter could kill or offend someone.”
He denied talking with AFP about extending his PSG contract beyond the next year.
One of the most sought-after players in the world, the 24-year-old attacker might soon be following Lionel Messi out of Parc des Princes this summer.
Mbappe claimed he wasn’t shocked by reports that PSG is considering selling him immediately rather than letting him depart for free at the conclusion of the next season.
Not much, he claimed, really took him by surprise.
The France captain also denied meddling in national team preparations by mailing the letter four days before the Gibraltar match.
I’m OK with people talking trash about me, he remarked. No one knows every little secret there is. I am fully aware of the motivations behind my actions and words. it’s OK; I have no objections about it.
As captain, I am responsible for certain things. I won’t abandon my duties because of some disturbances. I’m not the kind to just up and disappear,” he said.
Mbappe also mentioned President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to “try to push” for the player to remain in France, which he made on Wednesday.
“He wants for me to stay in Paris and my goal is to stay, so we’re on the same wavelength,” Mbappe added.
Didier Deschamps, coach of Les Bleus, later said that he and his captain had spoken about the events of this week.
Deschamps told reporters, “What’s said between Kylian and I remain between Kylian and I.”
“He’s at an age when he can express his own opinions and thoughts.
It’s possible that he’ll decide to depart one day. The solution is with him,” Deschamps said.
Group B of Euro 2024 qualification begins on Friday with Gibraltar at Faro, while World Cup runners-up France visit Greece on Monday.
France’s Euro qualification campaign started in March with victories over the Netherlands and Ireland, and Mbappe was selected captain before both games.
France can clinch qualifying with two wins while the Dutch are preoccupied with the Nations League finals.