Kylian Mbappe has opened up on his eventual move to Real Madrid in 2024.
Kylian Mbappe reveals why he rejected Real Madrid offer in 2017 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kylian Mbappe finally said yes to in 2024.
Los Blancos' battle to bring the France captain to Madrid was one of the longest running transfer sagas in their history as he disentangled from PSG.
Despite their reputation for walking away from complex deals, Mbappe was viewed as too big a target to let go, as club president Florentino Perez made it his personal mission to wrap up an agreement.
However, his eventual move to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was not without issues, as he ended a stellar debut 2024/25 season with 44 goals scored across all competitions.
2024 was third time lucky for Real Madrid in their race for the striker after rejections from him in 2017 and 2022.
After a breakthrough 2016/17 campaign at AS Monaco, Mbappe accepted PSG's offer over Madrid's - initially joining on a season-long loan - before completing a permanent move ahead of 2018/19.
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Mbappe then look destined to complete a free transfer to Madrid after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but he sensationally chose to extend his PSG contract ahead of the tournament, before finally leaving for free two years later.
Kylian Mbappe reveals why he rejected Real Madrid
His rise to prominence in Monaco attracted interest from across Europe but he admitted it would have been to early to leave France at just 18.
"At that moment it was very clear. When I left Monaco, the clear objective was to play," he told Movistar+.
"At Madrid, there was Benzema, Cristiano and Bale, and I didn't want to be on the bench. All the clubs in Europe told me I was going to play, but at Madrid, I knew I wouldn't.
"Of course, it was my dream, but being a starter is a privilege you have to earn, and I had the opportunity to be at home in Paris.
"I had seven incredible years there. The pride of playing where you were born is special, but of course I also had the dream of playing for Madrid."
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