After months of maintaining a low profile, Kylian Mbappe finally made a public appearance this Sunday during an interview with journalist Mouloud Achour on the programme Clique, aired on Canal+ France.
It was a significant moment, as the French striker had not given any interviews since September, when he spoke ahead of a Nations League match between France and Italy.
Now, during this interview, Mbappe opened up about his experiences in Paris, his dream of playing for Real Madrid, his time with the French national team, and other major topics.
Contractual situation at PSG
Kylian Mbappe reflected on his time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
One of the key points of discussion was the possibility of Mbappe renewing his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, a decision he considered for the sake of his younger brother, Ethan Mbappe.
Mbappe revealed that he was deeply affected by how the situation impacted Ethan, as PSG was a crucial part of his brother’s football journey.
“It’s what affected me the most. His Real Madrid was PSG. And indirectly, I took it away from him. He told me that he didn’t want to stay, that it wasn’t normal for them to do that to me,” he began saying.
He even contemplated putting aside his long-standing dream of joining Real Madrid to ensure Ethan’s happiness and career progression. Kylian described this period as a moment of personal sacrifice and family loyalty.
“I told him: if you want to stay, I’ll renew and we’ll stay for a while. I would have given up my dream of Madrid for him.
“Ethan is my brother, you can’t touch him. What’s the point of signing for the best club in the world if you end your brother’s career?”
Reflecting on the past
Kylian Mbappe he messed things at PSG towards the end. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Reflecting on his time at PSG, Mbappe acknowledged the intense highs and lows he experienced during his seven years at the club. He admitted that he made mistakes toward the end of his tenure.
“I spent 7 extraordinary years there, no matter what happened in the end. Maybe the mistake I made in the end was that I mixed everything up.”
However, he expressed immense gratitude to PSG’s fans, players, and the institution for supporting him from the beginning.
While he felt he could have communicated better with supporters, he emphasised his deep appreciation for the club and admitted he still follows PSG’s matches closely.
“I had conflicts with people because I was defending my rights, but that didn’t represent the club.
“The club, the fans and the players gave me everything, from the first day to the last. I loved every PSG game and I still watch every PSG game,” he added.
Dream move to Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe always dreamed of moving to Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Speaking about Real Madrid, Mbappe described it as his ultimate dream. He vividly recalled the excitement of his presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu, meeting Zinedine Zidane and feeling the warmth of the Madrid fans.
“I have always dreamed of Real Madrid. Always. Always. Always. I don’t know when or how, but I knew I was going to play here. I have a good visual memory.
“The day before the presentation, there was a three-hour briefing, and I had to translate for my mother and father. It was exhausting.”
“The next day, you have your first human contact with the boys, I met the coach. Then we went to the Bernabeu, Zizou was there and the public welcomed me like a king. The president speaks for you.”
Difficult start at Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is asking for patience. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Despite a challenging start to the season with Real Madrid, Mbappe expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and ambition for trophies.
“It hasn’t been the best start to the season, but we are preparing for the trophies that will count.”
He explained that adjusting to a new environment takes time but assured fans that he is determined to succeed at the Spanish club.
“We have already won the European Super Cup. We haven’t lived up to our expectations, but at Real Madrid, we are looking forward to the second half of the season. That’s when you will be judged,” he noted.
With his sights set on achieving greatness at Real Madrid, Mbappe made it clear that his focus is unwavering, and he is ready to face any challenges that come his way.