Kylian Mbappe aimed a parting shot at Paris Saint-Germain after his exit, saying ‘they spoke to him with violence’ when he decided not to stay.
The French forward’s eagerly-anticipated move to Real Madrid on Monday night was confirmed as he penned a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe scored 256 goals in his seven years with Paris Saint-Germain, however, his final year at the club wasn’t without controversy after being exiled from the first-team squad last summer when revealing that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract.
Sitting out the season-opening 0-0 draw with Lorient, Mbappe was brought swiftly back into the fold by head coach Luis Enrique and went on to score 44 goals over the season.
But according to the 25-year-old, the whole episode meant that he left Paris on a sour note.
“They made me understand that I wouldn’t play for PSG… they spoke to me with violence,” said Mbappe after reporting for Euro 2024 duty with France.
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“Without (PSG head coach) Luis Enrique and (football advisor) Luis Campos I wouldn’t have set foot on the pitch. They saved me. That’s the truth.
“Just playing was a great source of pride. But it is certain that next year I will not settle for a year like this.”
Speaking about his move to Real Madrid, Mbappe added: “It’s an immense pleasure, a dream come true. It’s very exciting.
“I am very happy, relieved, and extremely proud. This is the club where I have always dreamed of being, so I want to thank you.
“I am very excited about the idea of going to this great club, the best in the world.
“I feel very humble at the prospect and would like to thank all the people who have sent me messages and all those who have contributed to this operation.”
Mbappe helped steer PSG to a tenth Ligue 1 title in 12 seasons last month, but his hopes of ending his spell with an elusive first Champions League crown evaporated in last month’s semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
While leading Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title, Mbappe will now join La Liga champions and Champions League winners Real Madrid in the hope of contributing to their further success.
But his next task will be a first ever Europen Championship with his country having already won the World Cup with Les Bleus in 2018.
France begin their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany on Monday June 17, where they face Austria. They also face the Netherlands and Poland in their group.