French president confirms Kylian Mbappe 'advising' over PSG decision

The PSG star signed a record-breaking contract extension at the club last month.

French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken about his private meeting with Kylian Mbappe before his contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe was close to joining Real Madrid last summer, but PSG refused to sell him and continued pushing for a contract renewal.

Following months of negotiations, the World Cup winner eventually decided to snub a move to Madrid. He signed a new three-year contract at PSG, reportedly becoming the highest-paid footballer in history.

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Before the official announcement, there were reports about a meeting between Mbappe and Macron. The French president has now confirmed he advised the young star to stay at Parc des Princes.

“Yes, it is true that I had a conversation with Kylian Mbappe before he made a firm decision about his future,” Macron told a press conference.

“In it, I merely advised him, in a totally informal way, to remain in France. I believe it is my responsibility, as president, to defend the country when asked in an informal and friendly manner.”

He added: “I have never intervened in any transfer. Just like any other citizen, when it comes to sporting matters, I always want to see a good game and cheer on a team, especially, in my case, Olympique de Marseille.”