Why Mbappe staying at PSG is great news for England fans
James Shearman
- Updated: 22 May 2022 08:59 BST
- 3 min read
Kylian Mbappe has announced that he will sign a new contract with PSG, ending Real Madrid’s hopes of signing the 23-year-old France international star.
Mbappe has agreed terms on a new three-year deal with the Parc des Princes club, completing a major turnaround in the transfer narrative.
For much of the last two years, it had been expected that he would sign for Real Madrid.
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Indeed, PSG ignored a €200 million bid for the player last summer and then fended off strong interest from the Bernabeu side to secure his signature.
Had Mbappe failed to agree terms with the Ligue 1 champions, he would have signed for the La Liga champions on a free transfer.
But, before Saturday’s final Ligue 1 match of the season against Metz, PSG confirmed the news that all of their supporters had been waiting for – and those of Real Madrid had feared.
''I’m really happy to continue the adventure here at Paris Saint-Germain,'' Mbappe said. ''To stay in Paris, my city.
''I hope that I will continue to do what I prefer to with you all… and win titles together! Thanks a lot.''
Why Mbappe staying at PSG is great news for England fans
Had Mbappe opted to leave Paris for Madrid, he would have linked up with Ballon d'Or favourite and fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema.
There, the two superstars could have formed a remarkable partnership, like that of Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo years ago, ahead of the next World Cup.
Senegal face Netherlands on 21 November later this year, in the inaugural match of the world's most popular sporting competition.
Meanwhile, France kick off their campaign against Australia, Peru or UAE the next day, with Tunisia and Denmark the other teams in Group D.
L'Equipe going in hard on Real Madrid and Barcelona on its front page after Kylian Mbappe committed his future to PSG and Lyon routed the Catalans in the Women's Champions League final. pic.twitter.com/IUDp7y81VR
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) May 22, 2022
Les Bleus are currently second favourites to retain their status as world champions, behind Brazil, with England the third most likely according to the bookmakers.
France have by far the most talented squad, however, so it is the team's chemistry, or lack-thereof, which could hold them back.
As a result, Mbappe passing on the opportunity to build a rapport with Benzema is a real shame for head coach Didier Deschamps.
Though, for England fans, this is great news ahead of the first World Cup in years of which success is an expectation.
