For years, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid felt like an inevitable yet elusive transfer saga. When it finally became a reality last summer, expectations soared. The arrival of one of soccer’s most electrifying talents was supposed to make the Spanish giants an unstoppable force. However, while Los Blancos have advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, their performances have shown that integrating Mbappe into their system comes with challenges.
Meanwhile, over in France, Paris Saint-Germain has defied expectations under Luis Enrique, proving they are still a formidable side despite losing their former talisman. With both teams still in contention for the Champions League title, the soccer world is buzzing with the possibility of a high-stakes semifinal clash between Mbappe’s past and present.
But how does the French superstar himself feel about potentially facing his former club? His response was direct and left little room for speculation.
What did Mbappe say about a potential Real Madrid-PSG showdown?
In an interview with Le Parisien, the 26-year-old was asked if he had thought about the prospect of facing PSG in the Champions League semifinals. While many fans and pundits have already envisioned the dramatic encounter, the Real Madrid forward insisted that his focus remains elsewhere. “The worst mistake you could make would be thinking about that,” Mbappe stated. “It reminds me of last year when everyone assumed there would be a PSG-Real Madrid final. And in the end, we didn’t make it to the final.”
Instead, the Frenchman stressed that his attention is on Los Blancos’ upcoming quarterfinal clash against Arsenal, not a hypothetical meeting with his old side. “I’m only thinking about Arsenal, who will be our opponent in the quarter-finals, and my team, Real Madrid. We are participating in all competitions. We have the opportunity to achieve something great in this final part of the season, and all our energy should be focused on that, on ourselves, and on the matches ahead.”
Mbappe also dismissed the speculation surrounding a PSG reunion, stating that such discussions should be left to fans and the media. “These kinds of projections should be left to the general public, to the people who have the right to get carried away or speculate. We don’t have time for that.”
No hard feelings toward PSG and Al-Khelaifi?
Beyond the on-field drama, the French forward’s departure from PSG was not without controversy. The Frenchman had a strained relationship with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, particularly over his contractual situation. His decision to leave on a free transfer was met with resistance, leading to a legal dispute over $60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses.
Despite these off-field tensions, Mbappe made it clear that he harbors no bitterness toward his former club. When asked if he would shake Al-Khelaifi’s hand should Real Madrid and PSG meet in the Champions League, he responded with a touch of humor. “Of course, I would shake Nasser’s hand if we face PSG in the Champions League,” the superstar told Le Parisien. “And don’t imagine that I would spit on mine before shaking his (laughs).”
He further elaborated that he chooses to remember the positive aspects of his time in Paris rather than dwelling on the negatives. “I played at Paris for seven years. I had extraordinary moments there. I am not the kind of person to only look at the negative, and I know how to be grateful for what was given to me in life, on a personal level as well as on a professional level.”
As for the ongoing legal dispute with the Ligue 1 giant, the 26-year-old downplayed the situation, indicating that it’s in the hands of his lawyers and will be resolved soon. “It’s being dealt with by lawyers. I think it will be resolved soon. It isn’t something that I am worried about.”
