PARIS (AP) — The relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Paris Saint-Germain began with much fanfare, but it is coming to an end without a Champions League trophy as tensions continue.
Mbappe arrived as a teenage prodigy from Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth 180 million euros ($194 million). On Sunday, the 25-year-old superstar played his final home game for PSG, scoring in the 3-1 defeat against Toulouse.
he said out loud be jeered by some in the crowd at the Parc des Princes when his name was announced — finally, two days later. make it official Despite his departure, Mbappe received a warm welcome from other PSG fans.
On Friday, the football world discussed his impending departure, but French champions PSG did not comment on the matter.
Mbappe's late-night announcement may have surprised PSG. In a video posted on XNot through the club's communications department.
Between that and Sunday night's kick-off, 20+ posts On the official PSG feed of X.
Among them were exclusive articles on next season's home strip, articles on betting sites, footage of the PSG women's team reaching the French Cup final, kick-off times for matches around the world, and more about Mbappé. There was nothing.
Even though it was not the last game of the season, the club did not pay him any respect in Sunday's game.
It was up to the ultra supporters of CUP (Paris Ultras Collective) to decide whether to honor him with a banner bearing his likeness and a giant tifo.
The rift between the cash-rich Qatari-owned club and the record holder with 256 goals appears to run deep.
Let's see how the relationship deteriorated.
new contract
PSG may be disappointed with Mbappé after they offered him the most lucrative contract in the club's history. New contract concluded in 2022.
However, Mbappé was dissatisfied as he felt that promises to sign key players, particularly top-class centre-forwards such as Robert Lewandowski, to play in his preferred position on the left flank, had not been kept.
When he signed his new contract, he paraded in front of fans holding up a jersey that read 2025. Mbappe was reportedly frustrated by this, as his contract runs until 2024 with an option for a further year.
offer rejected
Mbappe surprised PSG last June by telling the club: don't make a choice An additional year. With Mbappé's contract effectively in its final year, PSG are now in the position of needing to sell him to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires.
PSG insisted on selling him, but as Mbappe wanted to see him through to his final year, the club took a hard line by keeping him out of action. Preseason tour to Japan In late July.
Al Hilal is World record $332 million However, Mbappé was reportedly uninterested and refused to meet representatives of the Saudi club in Paris.
aftermath and tension
After being removed from the pre-season tour, Mbappé posted a photo online of himself stopping and signing autographs outside the club's training facility after training with some of the players.
The stalemate continued when Mbappe was removed from the league in the opening game of this season. watching from the stands PSG drew 0-0.
Since Lionel Messi is gone And Neymar on his way To join Saudi club Al Hilal, PSG coach Luis Enrique could not afford to continue overlooking Mbappe. He returned in the next league game, decided a penalty.
It's time to go
At one point it looked like relations had been repaired, but with Mbappé's departure, relations soured again. Report to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi He announced his resignation in mid-February, although it was not made public until Friday.
In the interim, the relationship between Mbappé and Enrique reportedly became more strained, knowing his best player was leaving.
Enrique has shown his authority in recent weeks by putting Mbappé on the bench or removing him during important matches.
Lower status
Mbappe's almost untouchable status at PSG suddenly came into question.
When Enrique was substituted midway through the second half against arch-rivals Marseille on March 31, a surprised Mbappé appeared to mutter something negative as he walked away.
Enrique said he is rotating Mbappé to keep him fresh for bigger games. After PSG eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, they jumped into each other's arms and Mbappe scores 2 goals on the second leg.
However, resting Mbappé made no difference in the semi-final match against Borussia Dortmund. Mbappe couldn't score PSG lost both games 1-0.
PSG once again fell short in European football's elite club competition.
Mbappé's last game for PSG will be on May 25th in the French Cup final against Lyon.
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