PSG fans give Mbappe SURPRISE welcome amid Real Madrid transfer rumours
Robin Bairner
- 26 Aug 2023 20:09 BST
- 3 min read
Kylian Mbappe has spent much of the summer at war with PSG and will make his first appearance of the season at Parc des Princes on Saturday in a Ligue 1 match against Lens.
He made a scoring return to the team in last weekend’s encounter against Toulouse, giving Luis Enrique’s side a new dimension as he came off the bench and played a leading role in the 1-1 draw.
But after having been publicly battling the Ligue 1 champions since refusing to extend his contract in July, there was some doubt over what the PSG supporters might think of the 24-year-old as he returned to competitive action in the capital for the first time this season.
MORE: Ancelotti sends Mbappe a Real Madrid transfer message after Vini Jr injury
Mbappe was given a generous greeting by the PSG public, which is known to be fickle at times, notably spending periods of last season jeering Lionel Messi, who was perceived not be putting his all into the game for the club.
Indeed, when his name was read out as being in the starting XI, he received a generous ovation from the home supporters.
Given the ferocity of the rumours linking Mbappe with Real Madrid – a transfer rumour that refuses to go away even if Carlo Ancelotti continually denies it – he still has the full backing of the Paris fans.
MORE: Mbappe makes transfer decision that will SHOCK Real Madrid
Dembele and Luis Enrique given warm welcomes
This was the evening that PSG had chosen to introduce all of their summer signings to the PSG crowd, despite it being their second home match of the campaign after a 0-0 draw with Lorient previously.
As such Ousmane Dembele, Manuel Ugarte, Marco Asensio, Milan Skriniar, Arnau Tenas and Gonçalo Ramos were all presented to the home supporters, who greeted each generously.
An especially warm ovation was reserved for Dembele but also new head coach Luis Enrique, who has yet to record his first win as PSG boss after two games. Nevertheless, supporters have been taken by the style of play he is trying to employ.
