Luis Enrique delivers HARSH Mbappe verdict: 'We will be better without him'

Kylian Mbappe announced on Friday that he would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain after seven trophy-laden years.

The PSG record goalscorer departs at the end of the season upon completion of his contract, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his destination.

His declaration came hot on the heels of Champions League elimination, with PSG beaten over two legs by Borussia Dortmund at the semi-final stage.

The World Cup winner has had run-ins with coach Luis Enrique this season, who had no issue replacing his captain during matches following his private admission to the club in February that he wouldn’t extend his contract.

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However, that all seems water under the bridge now with the Spaniard paying a warm tribute to Mbappe ahead of this weekend’s Ligue 1 game against Toulouse.

PSG are Ligue 1 champions and still have a Coupe de France final to look forward to, against Lyon at the end of the month.

Although the former Barcelona coach wished Mbappe well for the future, he insisted that PSG would be even stronger without him next season.

“Concerning Kylian, these are things that we have known for a long time, you too,” he told the press on Saturday regarding Mbappe’s departure announcement according to L’Equipe.

“It doesn't change anything in the general picture. All my decisions were made based on what is best for the team. We have the same objective. We must not forget that there is still a title, the Coupe de France, we must be ready.

Luis Enrique says PSG will be STRONGER without Mbappe

“I'm convinced that regardless of the players who are there, I'm convinced that next season we will be stronger, that's how I see things.

“All I can say is that he is a wonderful footballer and a wonderful person. I understand his decision, he spent seven years here, he always gave everything for the club, and the club gave him everything. I wish him the best. He still hasn't said where he's going even though it's clear to everyone.

I don't complain about Kylian on any level. He's a leader. PSG will continue to be a great team. We want to recruit players who are hungry, who want to identify with the club. I am very proud to have experienced this season with Kylian Mbappe.”