May 11th 2024.
The soccer world was buzzing with speculation and anticipation when Kylian Mbappé, the talented forward for Paris Saint-Germain, finally confirmed what many had been expecting for a long time - he was leaving the club. In a heartfelt announcement on Friday, Mbappé shared that his final home game for PSG would be on Sunday against Toulouse. With a hint of sadness in his voice, he admitted, "I never thought it would be this difficult to leave my country." However, he also expressed his need for a new challenge after seven successful years at the club.
As he addressed PSG's fans, Mbappé's emotions were evident as he took a moment to collect himself. "It's a club that will always hold a special place in my heart," he said, "I will always be grateful for the opportunity to play here." He added with a smile, "You will stay in my heart forever," as he winked and raised a thumb in a gesture of gratitude.
Following the announcement, Mbappé reportedly went to meet and dine with PSG ultras, known as CUP, to discuss tributes for his last game at Parc des Princes. After that game, the French champions have two more league games to play against Nice and Metz. Mbappé currently leads the French league in scoring with 26 goals and is expected to continue his impressive performance in the remaining games.
The 25-year-old Mbappé, who now captains the French national team, has achieved great success in his career, including winning the World Cup in 2018 and becoming the second teenager, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup final. He was also the top scorer in the 2022 World Cup, including a rare hat trick in the final. Mbappé joined PSG in 2017 from Monaco in a record-breaking deal worth 180 million euros. And now, he is set to join Real Madrid, a 14-time Champions League winner.
In 2021, Madrid had made a bid of 180 million euros for Mbappé, but PSG turned it down and he renewed his contract with the club. However, he did not take up the option for an extra year and earlier this year, he informed PSG of his decision to leave at the end of the season. And now, on Friday, he confirmed it to the world. "I wanted to announce to you all that this will be my last year with Paris Saint-Germain," he shared, "I will not be extending my contract and my adventure here will come to an end in a few weeks."
Before bidding farewell, Mbappé took a moment to thank his teammates and coaches who have been a part of his journey at PSG. "I want to thank all my teammates, all the coaches I have had - Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Christophe Galtier, and Luis Enrique," he said with gratitude.
During his time at PSG, Mbappé has scored an impressive 255 goals, many of which featured his trademark move - sprinting down the left wing, cutting inside a defender, and curling the ball into the right corner with speed and precision. While his goal-scoring record helped PSG win six league titles in seven years, it also highlighted the team's shortcomings at the highest level in the Champions League.
In fact, Mbappé's last game for PSG was a disappointing one as they were knocked out of the semifinals of the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund. However, his departure marks the end of an era at PSG, as he was one of the superstars who arrived at the club in recent years. Along with Neymar, who was bought for a record-breaking 222 million euros, PSG also had players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and Lionel Messi, but they were unable to win the Champions League despite the club's massive spending of over 2 billion euros in transfer fees and wages.
Mbappé's departure also highlights the revolving door of coaches at PSG, as he played under five different coaches during his time at the club. This reflects the club's hire-and-fire attitude, with their Qatari owners QSI taking over in 2011. Mbappé first rose to fame as an 18-year-old sensation at Monaco, and it was PSG who beat Madrid to secure his signature. However, now it seems like things have come full circle, and he will leave the club as a free transfer.
And as he prepares to join Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse may have already clinched a record-extending 15th Champions League title. They are set to face Dortmund in the final on June 1, just a week after Mbappé's last game for PSG in the French Cup final against Lyon. It may not be the perfect ending for Mbappé at PSG, but joining a massive club like Madrid gives him a better shot at achieving his ultimate goal - winning the Ballon d'Or.
As for PSG, they now have a huge rebuilding task ahead, as they will have to find a new leader to fill the void left by Mbappé. After he wears the No. 7 jersey for the last time, PSG will have to start afresh without their star player. But they will always remember Mbappé's incredible contribution to the club, and he will forever be remembered as a PSG legend.
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