15 June 2023 , 19:25
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Kylian Mbappe appears to have changed his tune around his future and has insisted he will stay at PSG beyond this summer's transfer window.
The French superstar sent a letter to bosses at the Parc des Princes last week revealing he would not sign an extension to his current deal. That contract will expire at the end of next season, with PSG expected to sell him this summer as a result.
Mbappe's future has dominated the headlines ahead of France's latest Euro 2024 qualifiers. With PSG desperate to not allow him to leave for free, it had appeared as if he had played his final game for the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
But it may be tougher for PSG to sell him than they first hoped, with Mbappe adamant that he will stay in Paris this summer. The France captain has been questioned relentlessly on the topic in the build-up to Les Bleus' clash with Greece and has made his potions clear.
“I’ve already spoken about this, I’ve said that my objective is to stay at PSG, it’s my only option right now, I’m ready to come back for pre-season. Why go to the end of my contract? There is nothing to explain, people can talk," he said.
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"They don't have all the ins and outs, too bad for them, I know why I'm doing this, there's no no problem with that. Did I hesitate to come [to the press conference]? Not at all, I have a responsibility, it's not a few outside noises that will scare me away from my responsibility.
"It was important to be here today. I've been used to it since I was young. I'm thinking about tomorrow's game. That's my only concern. What happens outside is secondary, I've always managed to do both. I want to show tomorrow that I'm a great player."
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Mbappe wrote to Nasser Al-Khelaifi last week informing him he would not be signing a new contract with PSG (Getty Images)Even French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Mbappe to remain at PSG. He said last week: "I don't have the scoop, but I will try and push for it."
Mbappe though is staying focused on the task at hand, namely France's progession to next year's championships in Germany. And he insisted that Macron's comments will play no part in his future.
"What influence does the president have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my goal is to stay, we are on the same wavelength," the PSG said when asked about Macron's comments.
"I didn't think a letter killed anyone or offended anyone, you can't control reactions but I don't care. The letter was not sent during the international break, it was sent before. There is not much that shocks me anymore.
“I don’t need to explain, people can criticise and analyse… I was once an observer, I didn’t understand everything [in football]. They don’t know the ins and outs, too bad for them. I know why I’m doing this, there’s no issue with that.”