Striker of Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappe has tempered speculation about his immediate future by saying he is “very happy” at the Ligue 1 club and that he will “stay there” next season.
Mbappe, 23, was named player of the year at the National Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP) awards on Sunday, following PSGtitle win yesterday.
The France international was asked about his future at the ceremony and replied: “I’m calm. I am very happy. I’m here. I’m making the most of it.
“I’m the best player (referring to awards). That is the most important thing. I have a contract. I have next year, I’ll be there, I’m very happy.”
Mbappe was a target for Real madrid last summer, even agreeing personal terms with the Spanish giants, before signing a new contract with PSG.
The 2018 World Cup agreed a deal until the end of next season, with an option – which only he can activate – to extend until June 2025.
However, the interest of the Madrid team has not disappeared. Athletic previously reported that La Liga the team remains interested in signing Mbappe in the summer of 2024, when he will potentially become a free agent.
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In April, Mbappe was unhappy with the use of his image in a PSG promotional video for the 2023-24 season and took to social media to express his displeasure.
With one game left in the season, Mbappe is the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 28 goals. He also recorded five assists and was named UNFP Player of the Year for a record fourth straight.
At the award, Mbappe also paid tribute to teammate Sergio Rico, who is in hospital after an accident in Spain. The Frenchman added: “This album is a pleasure. I always wanted to win, leave my name in the history of my country’s championship. I didn’t think, for all my ambition, to win so much, so soon. It’s a real pleasure.”
Mbappe’s teammate Lionel Messi was also nominated as the best player of the year, but was not present at the ceremony. PSG defender Nuno Mendes also won the Young Player of the Year award, while Lens coach Franck Haise was named Manager of the Year.
Ex Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba, now at Lens, became the goalkeeper of the year.
PSG regained the Ligue 1 title with a 1-1 draw in Strasbourg on Saturday. They finish their season next Saturday at home to Clermont Foot.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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