Kylian Mbappe reveals how close he came to joining Real Madrid instead of PSG in the summer

Mbappe was linked with Madrid all summer before moving to Paris

Mbappe is on loan at PSG before a permanent move in the summer (Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain’s striker Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly been the great revelation of 2017 in the European football. The French player signed for PSG from Monaco initially on loan, in a deal that will ultimately cost the club a fee in the region of €180m.

During the summer, Mbappe was also linked to Real Madrid, and now, four months later, he revealed how he came to his final decision to join the Ligue 1 side.

“There were a lot of rumours, it is true that we talked, but it is all in the past for me and also for Real Madrid, I guess. Now I play for PSG and I will defend these colours by 100 per cent,” said Mbappé to Spanish Sports Daily Marca.

One of the main reasons for the 19-year-old striker going to the Parisians was that he was born in the French capital.

“It is as a kid from Madrid has the chance of playing for his team and decides to go to another place, another country. No, I wanted to play for PSG and I am very happy to see how the things are going,” added Mbappé.

In addition to the rumours that linked him to European champions, whom PSG face in the Champions League Round of 16, it was also highlighted that Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol, after meeting him during a visit to Real Madrid’s facilities a few years ago.

However, although the French star admitted that he adored Ronaldo when he was a kid, he insisted “it is over now”.

“I have already played in great stadiums, but never in Santiago Bernabéu. It will be my first time and I would like to see it from inside the day before the match, observe it quietly and prepare myself well for the match.

“The team who win the knockout is going to be a clear favourite to win the Champions [League]. If we are able to beat Real Madrid, the rest of the teams will fear us. If Real Madrid do it, the same.”