Kylian Mbappe insists he is “very happy” at Paris Saint-Germain as he poured cold water on claims that he would exit the club this summer.
Mbappe recently refused to commit his future to PSG following suggestions of an exit. "For now, a second World Cup," the France international said in November when quizzed over his alleged transfer request. "After that, I don't know." Prior to Saturday, he had not provided an update.
The striker penned a new three-year contract penned last May – although the final year of that deal is an optional renewal on the player’s behalf. He has long been linked with an exit from the Parc des Princes, with Real Madrid heavily referenced, despite penning that deal.
Mbappe was instilled as vice-captain of the club at the start of the campaign, a decision that defender Presnel Kimpembe – the previous holder of that title – later confirmed he was “not made aware” of.
There has also been the French striker’s ongoing reported feud with attacking teammate Neymar. The superstar duo fell out over the order of penalty-takers earlier this season in a Ligue 1 clash and there has been a backdrop of suggestions that Mbappe is unhappy at PSG.
However, the striker told reporters on Saturday: "For me it's a privilege to play here. I'm from Paris and being at PSG is special. I arrived when I was young and I've grown and matured a lot, on and off the pitch, since then."
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Mbappe netted in the Ligue 1 win over Nantes, making him PSG’s all-time record goal scorer with 201 goals, surpassing Edinson Cavani. It comes just days ahead of a potentially season-defining Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
He added: "Have I saved goals 202, 203 and 204 for Wednesday? Yes, I hope so! We travel with the intention of winning and qualifying. We must go with the determination and confidence that we will progress through to the quarters."
When asked if his future was linked to PSG’s progress in the competition, he responded: "I don't think so. If I linked my future to the Champions League, and I don't want to disrespect the club, I would have gone very far! I am here and I am very happy, and for the moment I'm not thinking about anything other than making PSG happy."
Mbappe ranked as runner-up in FIFA’s The Best awards last month and added that while that and the Ballon d’Or were an objective for him, he has not been preoccupied by it.
"Of course, the Ballon d'Or is always an objective," he added. "For a player of my status, it is something that I have in my head but it's not the priority right now. It's in the back of my mind, that is normal. If we continue this streak, I won't be too far from it."
