Mbappe to Real Madrid? Thierry Henry addresses transfer rumours
Robin Bairner
- 16 Sept 2023 11:45 BST
- 4 min read
France and Arsenal great Thierry Henry says that there is a “scary” aspect to the play of Kylian Mbappe and has assessed whether the PSG striker will need to leave the club in order to reach his maximum potential.
Mbappe has scored seven goals in just four matches for PSG this season, with his latest double coming on Friday even as his side suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Nice.
This exceptional form has come off the back of a tumultuous summer, in which he was frozen out of PSG’s plans for a period after refusing to extend his contract amid rumours that he will leave for Real Madrid as a free agent next summer.
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Henry, who recently undertook the role of France U21 coach, was tight-lipped when asked by RMC if the 24-year-old will need to leave Parc des Princes in order to make another leap forward in his game.
“I’ll be honest with you, I though he was going to leave,” the legendary forward said. “He extended his contract for two years. He respected what he said and that’s it.
“He is there, he’s still there. There’s something that strikes me and that’s that he always wants to play.”
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🧵Every Kylian Mbappe goal: 2023/24
1. August 19 - Toulouse 1-1 PSG
Making his return to the PSG squad after being frozen out, Mbappe wins and scores a penalty just four minutes after coming on in a 1-1 draw against Toulouse. pic.twitter.com/kKKdr3bqUH— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) September 15, 2023
Henry on ‘scary’ aspect of Mbappe’s game
Henry had previously addressed the most impressive aspect of Mbappe’s game.
“There’s something scary. It’s that if he begins to better understand movement in the box, just as he does outside of it, and if he improves his heading game…” the 1998 World Cup winner said.
“There was a good example against Reims, on a cross, he went there. He attacked the ball with his head at the front post.
“You know, there’s something no one likes: it’s when you start to see a little more of what you know you can’t do.
“He always puts himself in situations where you see his qualities. But if he starts to understand movement in the box, score with his head and be better with his back to goal… If he does that, we have to stop everything!
“As they say in English: the sky’s the limit. He can score and he can assist, it’s impressive when you can do both. I have respect for everyone, but especially those who can do both.”
