Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Kylian Mbappe has stated that his intention is to stay at the club, describing it as his "only option for now," during a news conference ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Portugal. This declaration comes after the French superstar informed PSG that he would not be extending his contract beyond 2024.
Mbappe, one of the most sought-after players in world football, had sent a letter to the club earlier in the week, confirming his decision not to exercise an option to remain with the French champions until 2025. Speaking about the letter, Mbappe expressed surprise at the reaction, saying, "I didn't think a letter could kill or offend someone."
Regarding the prospect of a potential transfer, the 24-year-old forward admitted that he wasn't surprised by the speculation surrounding his future and the possibility of PSG seeking to sell him this summer instead of letting him leave on a free transfer next year. He remarked, "No, there's not much that shocks me."
Mbappe addressed concerns about the timing of his letter, denying any interference with the French national team's preparations for the Gibraltar fixture. He stated, "I accept everything, people can talk, criticise, I understand... I know why I do what I do and I say what I say. There's no problem with that."
He also emphasised his commitment to his responsibilities as the captain, stating, "It's not my temperament to run away."
French President Emmanuel Macron recently voiced his desire for Mbappe to remain in France, and Mbappe echoed those sentiments, saying, "He wants for me to stay in Paris and my goal is to stay, so we're on the same wavelength."
Meanwhile, France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that he had discussed the recent events with Mbappe. However, he maintained that the final decision regarding his future lies with the player himself, stating, "He's old enough to speak for himself, to say what he wants to say himself... It might happen one day that he leaves. He has the answer."
In terms of the ongoing Euro 2024 qualifiers, France faced Gibraltar in Faro, and they will host Greece on Monday in Group B. With victories over the Netherlands and Ireland in previous Euro qualifiers, Les Bleus are in a strong position to secure qualification with consecutive wins.
(With inputs from AFP)
