Kylian Mbappé’s (25) impending Paris Saint-Germain departure is perhaps the worst-kept secret in world football. Whilst nothing is yet official, a move to Real Madrid is expected at the end of the season but has France President Emmanuel Macron just leaked the news ahead of time?
Mbappé informed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in February that he would not be renewing his deal with Les Parisiens, meaning that he could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. Publically, there is largely silence, although manager Luis Enrique continuously alludes to a departure, stating that PSG have to “get used to playing without Mbappé, sooner or later”.
Whilst the football world awaits official word of Mbappé’s expected summer move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, Macron has maybe dropped a significant hint at the impending move. Speaking to RMC Sport about the release of players for the upcoming Olympic Games, set to be held in Paris, President Macron spoke specifically about Mbappé’s case, as well as Real Madrid’s stance on releasing players for the tournament.
“I have trust in French and European clubs if you know what I mean (smiles) [that they will release their players]. There is the Euros too – that’s the problem,” said Macron, in an interview transcribed and translated by Get French Football News.
He added, “I think clubs need to play the game so that we have a big show. It is one of my fears. Real Madrid too? Exactly. When I was speaking about European clubs, I was speaking about them. The players need to take it into account in their preparations and their training sessions too because we have the Euros and I hope we’ll be playing until 14th July; I hope and I think we will. I haven’t spoken about it with Mbappé but I hope that his club will let him [participate in the Olympics].”
Real Madrid have said that they will not be releasing players for this summer’s Olympics and whilst President Macron’s comments may be in reference to Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, the tone and tongue-in-cheek nature of the comments alluded to something else.
GSFN | Luke Entwistle
