Mbappe: 'Messi leaving is never good news'

Striker Kylian Mbappe doesn't understand why many PSG fans are happy when superstars like Lionel Messi leave the team.

"Messi is probably the best player of all time," Mbappe told Gazzetta dello Sport on June 13. "I don't understand why so many people are relieved that he left, because Messi leaving is never good news. Messi is not respected for what he has done."

Mbappe celebrates a goal with Messi against Leipzig at the Parc des Princes stadium, Paris, France on October 19, 2021. Photo: Reuters — Mbappe celebrates a goal with Messi against Leipzig at the Parc des Princes stadium, Paris, France on October 19, 2021. Photo: *Reuters*

Mbappe and Messi both played well in the 2022-2023 season. While Mbappe was the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 29 goals, Messi was also the best passer in the tournament with 16 assists. The two players were more impressive at the 2022 World Cup, when they scored eight and seven goals respectively to help France and Argentina finish second. After Argentina defeated France in the final, Messi was repeatedly booed by his home fans when he returned to play for PSG. After two seasons in Paris, Messi left the team to play for Inter Miami in the United States.

In addition to Messi, other PSG stars such as Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Marco Verratti have also been protested. Meanwhile, Mbappe is often praised by fans, but he also does not want to renew his contract with the team. "I did not ask to leave or go to Real Madrid," he said. "I just told PSG that I will not choose to extend my contract until June 2025."

Mbappe's current contract with PSG runs until the summer of 2024, meaning he has just one more season left. The 25-year-old striker has the right to activate an extension clause but has not done so. Mbappe has said he would be happy to play another season in Paris, in order to leave as a free agent after his contract expires. According to French media, PSG are not happy with this option and want to sell Mbappe in the summer of 2023.

The French striker added that his goal is to win every opponent and win every title. "But PSG have problems that sooner or later we will have to pay for," he stressed.

PSG are considering selling Mbappe to Man Utd this summer, but the striker is not interested in the "Red Devils". Mbappe has repeatedly expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, while the Spanish club is still looking for a striker to replace Karim Benzema.

Hoang An

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