Kylian Mbappe expects his future to be resolved before France’s Euro 2024 journey gets underway this summer.
The 25-year-old has privately confirmed his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season and is widely expected to sign for Real Madrid, with reports suggesting a contract has already been agreed.
Mbappe, however, has done his best not to feed the speculation around his future and consistently denied having anything to reveal, although he told a press conference that fans can expect a formal decision from him before the Euros get underway this summer.
“I haven’t announced anything because I have nothing to announce,” he said. “I have always said that when I have something to say, I will come and say it like a man. Since I haven’t done that, it’s because I have nothing to announce.”
Specifically asked whether he could confirm his departure from PSG, Mbappe continued: “Ask the person who told you, he must know. Did he say yes? So you know he knows, so ask him.
“As I said, the day I have something to announce, I will come here. I have never been afraid, I can say that confidently. Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t have anything exciting to announce.
“I will be focused on the French team during the Euros. Although I think [my future] will be resolved by then. The priority will be selection for France games, I have always shown that.”
Further complicating Mbappe’s future is a desire to play at this summer’s Olympics. As it is not a FIFA-recognised tournament, clubs can refuse to release players for the tournament, with potential employers Madrid already informing the French Football Association they will block call-ups for any player this summer.
“I have always had the same ambition,” Mbappe continued. “I always said that the Olympic Games in Paris would be special and that I would like to be there. My ambition has not changed. Does the final decision always belong to the same person? Yes, but it has not been decided. I’m taking a step back now in my career.
“If I go there, it will be a dream. If I don’t go, I’ll accept it.”
Quizzed on who has yet to approve his involvement in the Olympics, Mbappe stressed: “PSG. I am still under contract. We haven’t discussed yet.”
The Paris Olympics are due to commence on 27 July, whereas Mbappe’s contract with PSG runs until 30 June, and the Frenchman was then asked how PSG could impact his Olympic dream since his tenure with the club will be over by that point.
“Yes, one does not prevent the other,” Mbappe acknowledged. “The idea of scoring a hat-trick is more important. We can have a special year and everyone is conditioned by that. Important matches are coming. It’s very important I put as much energy and strength into this as possible.
“Based on my performances, do you see someone who is bothered by the speculation? What happens around us, I don’t care about. I remain focused on the matches with the desire to perform well. I see what is said, but I am not responsible.”
What we know
- Mbappe has privately confirmed his intention to leave PSG this summer when his contract expires
- A deal with Madrid is already understood to have been agreed
- French forward hopes to play at the Olympics; Madrid prepared to block players from participating.