Kylian Mbappe confirms Paris Saint-Germain exit; the Frenchman is out of contract this summer and is expected to join Real Madrid; Mbappe said: “I wanted to announce to you all that it’s my last year at PSG. I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks”
The France World Cup winner said in a video posted to social media: “I wanted to talk to you. Since I’ve always promised to talk to you when the time is right, I wanted to let everyone know that this is my final season at Paris Saint-Germain. The experience will come to an end in a few weeks, and I will not be extending.
“On Sunday, I’ll play my final match at Parc des Princes. There are a lot of emotions involved; over the years, I’ve had the opportunity and great honour of belonging to the largest French club, which is among the finest in the world. This has made it possible for me to come here and experience a club for the first time.
PSG and Real Madrid still need to negotiate whether Mbappe will leave for a fee or sacrifice his own earnings. PSG have Mbappe’s word that he will never leave on a free transfer.
Real Madrid hold a long-term interest in the 25-year-old forward, who would have to take a pay cut to join the Spanish side, even though they are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in their history.
Could Mbappe join Real Madrid this summer?
PSG turned down a €220m (£188m) offer for Mbappe from Real Madrid in August 2021. The forward then chose to sign a new three-year deal with PSG that expires this summer.
PSG had accepted a €300m (£256m) from Saudi club Al Hilal last summer, which Mbappe turned down.
Mbappe exit to free up £189m for PSG
It is understood Mbappe’s departure has freed up at least €220m (£189m) of gross cost to PSG, who are not surprised by his exit.
Mbappe produced the video solo and it puts PSG in difficult position because his deal with Real Madrid has not been announced yet.
PSG and Mbappe were knocked out of the Champions League earlier this week at the semi-final stage
There is, however, a relief he is going with the final page of the club’s Galactico era now finally closed.
The club did not believe his performance in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund was not that of someone worth a £189m hit.
When is Mbappe’s final PSG game?
Mbappe, who is PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 255 goals, will play his final home game at the Parc des Princes against Toulouse on Sunday in Ligue 1.
Luis Enrique’s side, who have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, then have two away league games at Nice on May 15 and Metz on May 19.
Mbappe’s final PSG game will be the French Cup final against Lyon in Lille on May 25, where he has the chance to claim a 12th major honour with the club before departing.
