French president Emmanuel Macron has admitted he had a conversation with Kylian Mbappe before the forward rejected a move to Real Madrid in favour of signing new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, although he denied he influenced his compatriot’s decision.
Mbappe had been widely expected to join Los Blancos in a free transfer this summer, but he shocked the football world as he completed a U-turn by penning a new three-year contract in the French capital.
Following the announcement of his extension, Mbappe suggested a chat with Macron had been ‘a factor’ in his overall decision.
The French president himself has also had to field questions on his part in what happened, and although he confirmed he had spoken with the PSG star, he denied he had meddled in a potential transfer to Real Madrid.
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“Yes, it is true that I had a conversation with Kylian Mbappe before he made a firm decision about his future,” Macron confirmed.
“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.”
“I have never intervened in any transfer,” Macron continued. “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.”
