Luka Modric has hinted that Kylian Mbappe could well be in line for a sensational switch to Real Madrid after all despite having initially rejected a move to Spain.
The World Cup winner was expected to move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer with his contract at Paris Saint-Germain set to expire. However, the Frenchman then performed a surprise u-turn by penning a fresh three-year deal at the Parc des Princes, leaving Real president Florentino Perez fuming.
Despite that dramatic turn of events - and Mbappe's future seemingly being settled for the time being - Real Madrid midfielder Modric has suggested that the forward could end up at the Santiago Bernabeu eventually despite respecting the decision he has made to stay with PSG.
As quoted by Spanish outlet Marca, he said: "Mbappe decided what he decided, that is his right and now he lives with that decision. We all thought he would come with us, it didn't happen... and now what?
"Well, we are not going to crucify him. Mbappe is a great player, but as I always repeat, in any context, no footballer is more important than the club. Real Madrid is the greatest, above all the players and it will always be that way.
"It is possible that in a few years Mbappe will come. According to football logic, which was valid until the pressure of the socio-political and interest environments in Paris, Mbappe would probably follow his old desire to play for Real Madrid. As much as seems now, especially to disillusioned fans, that ties have been severed, things can happen again."
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It of course remains to be seen whether Perez would be willing to once again facilitate a move for Mbappe - especially after hitting out the forward after he signed his new deal.
Speaking to El Chiringuito last month, he said: "This is not the Mbappe I wanted to bring, he is another one, who must have changed his dream. He changes, he is offered other things, he is pressured and he is already another footballer.
"There is no one at Real Madrid above the club. He is a great player, he can win more than others, but it is a collective sport and we have values and principles that we cannot change."
Mbappe, 23, has of course been a sensational player for PSG since his arrival from French rivals AS Monaco in 2017. He has made 216 appearances for Les Parisiens since, scoring 170 goals - 39 of which coming last season.
He seems one of only a few players assured of a long-term future in the French capital, with a number of players having already been placed on the transfer list by new director Luis Campos.
In the meantime, Real Madrid have still been busy in the transfer window despite missing out on Mbappe. They secured the free transfer arrival of Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger, whilst having secured Mbappe's compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco.
