Kylian Mbappé excited about potential move to Real Madrid but remains coy about Champions League final loyalties

Kylian Mbappé, a World Cup winner and multiple titleholder with French club Paris Saint-Germain, is set to join Real Madrid soon. Despite this big move, Mbappé is excited about the challenge of playing in a new country.

"I just want to be happy," Mbappé shared with CNN Sport's Amanda Davies. He made the statement after being named Best Men's Player at the first Globe Soccer Awards Europe Edition held in Sardinia, Italy.

Mbappé excitedly shared, "I will be leaving my country for the first time. I'm looking forward to this amazing experience and can't wait to join my new club. My goal is to win trophies because in football, it's all about winning trophies and bonding with new teammates."

He mentioned, "Currently, I have a contract with PSG. Everyone is aware that it will be ending soon, so we will have to wait and see what happens next."

Confirmation came earlier this month that the 25-year-old, the second most expensive soccer player in history, will not be staying with French giant PSG.

Mbappé accepts the Best Men's Player trophy at the Global Soccer Awards Europe Edition in Sardinia.

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Real Madrid first showed interest in Mbappé when he was only 13 years old. In his comic book, "Je m'appelle Kylian (I'm called Kylian)," Mbappé shared his aspirations of one day wearing the iconic white shirt of Los Blancos.

In August 2021, Real Madrid made a $188 million offer for the striker, which was almost finalized. At that time, Mbappé openly expressed his desire to depart from PSG.

Mbappé ended the transfer saga by extending his contract with PSG for another three years in May 2022. This decision put a pause to the speculation surrounding his future in soccer.

Now the question arises - was it the correct choice for Mbappé to stay in Paris?

Mbappé shared that his decision to stay at PSG went beyond the club itself. It was also influenced by the upcoming World Cup in Qatar and various other factors. Despite the challenges, he expressed no regrets about his choice.

Reflecting on his career, Mbappé acknowledged the necessity of making tough decisions. Despite the difficulties, he found success by becoming PSG's all-time leading scorer. He chooses to focus on the positive aspects of his journey, even amidst challenging situations that he wouldn't wish upon anyone.

Mbappé won the World Cup with France in 2018.

Mbappé won the World Cup with France in 2018.

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Real Madrid has long had a history of having some of the game’s biggest superstars in its ranks.

The 2000-06 Galácticos squad featured top players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, Luís Figo, and David Beckham. In 2009, a new era began with the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaká, as well as a young Karim Benzema from Lyon.

Karim Benzema, a talented young player, is seen as a key figure in a new generation of stars at Real Madrid, alongside Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. These players will be aiming to help Real Madrid secure their 15th European Cup title in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London.

Will Mbappé be supporting his potential new team and colleagues?

"Actually, I'll be watching the final just like everyone else," he said with a smile. "I'm a huge football fan, so I try to catch every game I can. Whether it's in France, England, Spain, Germany, Italy - I follow every league. So, I'll definitely be tuning in to the Champions League."

Mbappé has yet to achieve Champions League glory, despite having a successful career filled with trophies. The closest he came was in the 2020 final in Lisbon, where PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich. It's all part of his journey.

"I believe it's all part of the journey," he explains. "I still have plenty of chances to win the Champions League, but I think it's all about fate.

"We came close a few times... It's just how the game goes. Now, I'm at a point where I only want to cherish the positive experiences and memories I've had in Paris, and appreciate all the little things that have happened."

Mbappé celebrates scoring for PSG against RC Lens last year.

Mbappé celebrates scoring for PSG against RC Lens last year.

Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images

Paris is where Mbappé the boy became Mbappé the man.

After starting his career at AS Monaco at just 18 years old, this superstar went on to achieve many personal and team awards with PSG. During his time in Paris, he won six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups, two League Cups, and an impressive five Player of the Year awards.

Additionally, he can proudly call himself a World Cup champion.

Mbappé expressed his gratitude towards PSG, acknowledging that he wouldn't be the player he is today without them. When he joined the team at 18, he was just a young guy with big dreams of making a mark in the world of football.

Before PSG, Mbappé spent a year in Monaco where they achieved great success by winning the league and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League. However, he felt like he hadn't done anything significant yet in the global football scene.

Being a part of PSG was an incredible opportunity for me. As a French person from Paris, it held a special place in my heart. Spending seven years at the club is a significant amount of time in any career, especially in modern football. It was a unique and special feeling for me to be able to be a part of this club.

During my time at PSG, I was motivated to really improve my game.

Mbappé believes that his impact on football goes beyond just goals and trophies. He sees his contribution to the sport from a broader historical viewpoint.

"I have a lot to offer to football," he stated. "I have achieved a lot already, but I am still young and eager to achieve more. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy and be remembered in the history of football."

I focus on my future goals and strive to enhance my skills to become a better player each year, working towards being the player I aspire to be.

For me, it's not only about scoring goals or winning trophies. It's also about the impact and emotions I bring to the game, striving to be a well-rounded player who uplifts and supports my teammates.

“I want to understand more the game, more the world of football, everything. I have more experience so that’s helped me to be better.”

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