Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has on Tuesday issued an altogether mature response to the recent criticism aimed in his direction by former teammate Neymar Jr.
Wide-man Neymar of course grabbed the headlines with a fresh round of comments late last week.
This included what was widely construed to be something of a dig at the aforementioned Mbappé, whom Neymar accused of becoming ‘jealous’ following the arrival of Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain:
“Mbappé was not annoying! When Messi came, I think he became a little jealous… I had my things with him, we had a little fight. He was a boy that in the beginning was key, I used to call him ‘Golden Boy’, I spoke to him, played around with him, told him he’d be one of the best, I always help, always had conversations with him. When Leo arrived, he became a little jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone! [laughs] That’s how the fights started, the change in behaviour.”
Speaking during his own exchange with the media on Tuesday, it therefore came as little surprise when such comments were put to Mbappé himself.
And, during an interview with TNT Sports Brasil, the summer arrival in La Liga opted to take the high road, explaining:
“Neymar’s words? I have nothing to say. I’m focused on what I’m doing here in Madrid. I have a lot of respect for Neymar. I want to remember the good things about him, of a unique player in the history of football. Good luck to him and his family.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
