Kylian Mbappe has officially announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the current season.
The French striker confirmed the news in a video message addressed to PSG supporters across his social media channels. In the video, Mbappe expressed gratitude for his seven-year tenure with PSG, thanking his fellow teammates, coaches, staff members, and especially the passionate fans.
He acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision, noting that leaving the team, country, and league has proven challenging. However, he emphasised the need for a “new challenge” after an extended stint with PSG.
Mbappe’s next destination remains unconfirmed, although reports from February indicate a potential agreement to join Real Madrid this summer. Despite nothing being officially agreed, Real are currently considered the frontrunner in the race for Mbappe’s coveted signature while Liverpool have been linked with the forward for a number of years.
The French superstar’s departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in his career. His future endeavors and the impact on PSG’s squad composition continue to draw intense speculation and anticipation in the world of football.
“I have always said I would speak with you when the time comes, and so I wanted to announce to you all that it’s my last year at PSG. I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks,” the 25-year-old told his social media followers.
“It is a lot of emotions. I want to thank all of the teammates I had, all of the coaches, the sports directors and all of the staff at the club. I want to thank the fans above all.
“I never thought it would be this difficult to announce I am leaving this team, this country, Ligue 1. I think I needed this new challenge after seven years. The club will remain in my heart forever.”
Back in 2017, when he was still at Monaco, Mbappe had a meeting with Liverpool and again held discussions with the club before renewing his contract with PSG two years later. “We talked a little bit, but not too much,” he revealed to The Telegraph.
“I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favorite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her. It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club.”
Speculation about a potential move to Liverpool resurfaced last summer when it became clear that Mbappe would be leaving PSG. However, departing Reds manager Jurgen Klopp confessed he would be surprised if a deal could be struck.
“We laugh about it,” Klopp told Sky Germany in August.
“I can say that I think he’s a really good player but the financial conditions don’t suit us at all. I wouldn’t like to ruin the story now… but as far as I know, there’s nothing to it. It’s possible that someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me… that hasn’t happened in the eight years that I’ve been here. That would be the first time.”
