Real Madrid news: PSG ace Kylian Mbappe makes transfer claim ahead of Champions League tie
PSG star Kylian Mbappe has explained why he turned down Real Madrid back in the summer.
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Real Madrid were determined to sign Mbappe after the 19-year-old fired Monaco to Ligue 1 glory at PSG’s expense last season.
With Gareth Bale struggling with injuries and Cristiano Ronaldo showing signs of waning, Los Blancos saw Mbappe as the perfect signing.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the France international rejected a move to the Bernabeu to join PSG on loan.
And now, speaking months after that decision, the youngster claimed he chose to snub Real Madrid as he wanted to make history in his own country.
"[I turned down Real Madrid] because PSG is the team of my city," Mbappe told MARCA.
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"[Joining Real Madrid] would have been like a Real Madrid-supporting kid from Madrid having the chance to play for his team and deciding to go somewhere else, to another country.
"I wanted to play for PSG and I am very happy right now about how things are going.
"There were a lot of rumours about the transfers and it's true that we spoke, but I think that's now in the past for me and for Real Madrid.
"I now play for PSG and I will defend these colours 100 percent."
Real and PSG go head to head in the Champions League in February.
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And Mbappe thinks the two games will make for blockbuster viewing.
"Yes, yes. We are the two best teams in the world,” the teenager said.
“Well, Real Madrid are the best team in the world, as they've won two consecutive Champions League titles, while we are growing.
“I think it'll be a great knockout tie and we will go to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to qualify."
