Mbappe to cause PROBLEMS at Real Madrid, France World Cup winner says

Robin Bairner

• 21 Feb 2024 07:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has the potential to cause fireworks – but not necessarily in a positive manner, according to a France legend.

Mbappe is one of three Frenchman to have netted in a World Cup final, grabbing a hat-trick in the final of the 2022 edition, while another member of this elite group has questioned his decision to move to the Bernabeu.

Emmanuel Petit, who turned out for clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and, for one season, Barcelona, claims that the PSG star’s imminent move to Madrid has the potential to go wrong.

“If Mbappé goes to Madrid, that could be a problem, not only in terms of salary in the locker room, but also in terms of leadership,” the scorer of France’s final goal in the 1998 World Cup final told AS.

“Bellingham has been incredible, as has Vinicius, and if Mbappe goes to Madrid he will have to play as a striker, as he has done recently at PSG. But we all know that's not his best position. There are many questions and no answers.

“We are all tired in France. Every six months, it's always the same story on the table. 'How are you ? Are you going to stay? Is he happy? Did you have a good breakfast this morning? Did he poop correctly?'

“In France too, we are fed up. I can understand that the players are also upset by this situation, because all the attention is always on Mbappe. We don't talk about PSG, we always talk about Mbappe.

“So it might be a problem for some players to deal with this situation.”

Mbappe transfer status

Mbappe is expected to move to Real Madrid, but the deal has not yet been confirmed.

Some reports in Spain indicate that he has already signed his contract with the club, yet more widespread indications are there is nothing formal between the parties.

Indeed, L’Equipe reports on Wednesday that no deal has been signed yet, with the image rights of the player continuing to provide a hurdle that must be cleared. It is also believed Mbappe’s desire to play in the Olympics in August is a problem.

What is evident, though, is that Mbappe has told PSG he will be leaving next summer and will depart on a free transfer.