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Kylian Mbappe discussed a possible move to Real Madrid with Lionel Messi and Neymar, but says he did not need persuading to commit his future to Paris Saint-Germain.
The France international had been strongly linked with a switch to Madrid prior to Saturday’s announcement that he has signed a new deal to remain at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappe, who had been due to become a free agent next month, penned a new three-year deal in the French capital and celebrated that with a hat-trick against Metz later that day.
He will once again link up with fellow superstars Messi and Neymar next season, and the 23-year-old revealed he talked about his future with the pair before making his decision.
“We had a difficult season, but we talked a little bit – not a lot, because they told me it was a personal choice. They understood,” Mbappe said at a news conference on Monday.
“Whether it’s PSG or Madrid, these are clubs that you don’t need convincing to play for. For any player it’s an honour to play for one of these two clubs.
“I’m playing with great players and that’s what I wanted.”
Mbappe scored 39 goals in all competitions this campaign, which is behind only Karim Benzema (44) and Robert Lewandowski (50) among players from Europe’s top five leagues.
That compares to just 13 goals for Neymar and 11 for Messi in what was a disappointing campaign for PSG on the whole, despite reclaiming their Ligue 1 crown.
Reports from France also claimed that Mbappe was persuaded to sign a new deal after being promised additional powers, including a say of transfers and coaching appointments.
It was also suggested that Mbappe would take over as captain as a reward for his loyalty, though the World Cup winner is not looking to take the armband from Marquinhos.
“He deserves his armband,” Mbappe said. “I don’t need to be a captain to be heard and set an example on the pitch.
“Marquinhos is a great player and a very good captain. He is very important for us.”
