Kylian Mbappe addressed the entirety of the Parc des Princes crowd before Paris Saint-Germain's final home game of the Ligue 1 season against Metz.
The 23-year-old was handed the microphone to announce he has penned a new three-year deal with the French giants - putting an end to the relentless speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. At times since last summer, it has seemed as if Mbappe's PSG departure was a foregone conclusion.
Spanish titans Real Madrid were extremely confident that they would boast the superstar within their ranks from this summer onwards once Mbappe's original deal with PSG had expired. A late twist has seen the 23-year-old commit his mid-term future to the Parisians.
Addressing the crowd, Mbappe explained: "I am very happy to stay at PSG in France. I always said Paris is my home, I hope we continue to play football and win trophies together. Thanks for everything. I hope that I will continue to do what I prefer to with you all… and win titles together! Thanks a lot."
PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi broke the news before introducing Mbappe to the crowd by declaring: "I’m proud to give you a beautiful news: Kylian Mbappé has signed until June 2025 with Paris Saint-Germain."
Mbappe has enjoyed a stunning season individually, helping fire the club to a tenth Ligue 1 title with his phenomenal for in front of goal. The World Cup winner has the most goals and most assists of any player in the league with 25 and 17 to his name respectively in the division alone.
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The player is rumoured to have informed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his decision to stay put in Paris via WhatsApp. "I inform you that I have decided to stay at PSG," Mbappe's text read. The forward was gracious in his rejection.
"I want to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to play for Madrid, the club I have been a fan of since I was a child," Mbappe went on. The failure to sign the forward is a damning indictment of Real Madrid's recent fortunes and will see the Los Blancos hierarchy scratching their heads over who this summer's high-profile signing will now be.
From Mbappe's perspective, the new deal is a strong statement from both the player and the club. It is likely that this latest contract sees the forward leapfrog both Lionel Messi and Neymar as the highest earner at the club, while it also seems as if it is Mbappe that is viewed as the new face of the PSG brand.
