Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he was briefly in talks to sign for Liverpool - but maintains his decision was always between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 23-year-old held discussions over a move to Anfield but admits there was more chance of him linking up with Jurgen Klopp and co at Anfield in 2017, back when Mbappe was still playing for Monaco. Ultimately deciding to reject a transfer to Real Madrid this summer in favour of signing a new and groundbreaking three-year contract with PSG, his mother was a key factor in why talks took place regarding a potential venture to Merseyside which had been rumoured as recently as last week.
"We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit," Mbappe told the Telegraph before pouring cold water on the prospect. "I talked to Liverpool because it's the favourite club of my mum. My mum loves Liverpool. I don't know why, you will have to ask her! It's a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It's a big club."
The French sensation added: "Of course, it was between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the end. Everybody knows I wanted to leave for Real Madrid last year and I think it was a good choice to leave last year. But now it's different because I was a free agent."
While Mbappe's admiration for the Reds is clear, it appears that a transfer was never truly on the cards. But as Real Madrid saw their eye-watering £170million bid turned down and due to his previous deal with PSG being set to expire next month, Klopp was continually quizzed on the idea of signing him.
"Of course we are interested in Kylian Mbappe, we are not blind," the Liverpool boss declared. "We like him and if you don't like him then you have to question yourself. But, no, we are not and we cannot be part of these battles. There must be other clubs involved and that is fine. He is a great player."
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Klopp's comments echo Reds icon Jamie Carragher 's feelings on the matter, having been asked by Mirror Football what his former club's chances of signing the France international were after Real Madrid missed out. "Oh, I'm not sure," ex-defender Carragher admitted following Saturday's charity game between Manchester United and Liverpool legends at Old Trafford. "I'm not sure we've got that type of money."
Frenchman Patrice Evra, meanwhile, is delighted that Mbappe is staying in his homeland, having also featured in the match which the Reds won 3-1. "I just heard that, it's unbelievable," United legend Evra told Mirror Football . "What news for PSG. What news for France. I want a French club to win the Champions League, no matter if I played for Marseille.
"It's a big decision because I really strongly believed that he was going to Real Madrid. I'm really happy for PSG, really happy for Kylian. A project that's going to focus on a player like Mbappe; he's a professional, he's hungry, he wants to win the Ballon d'Or, he wants to win the league, he wants win the Champions League. What great news for all French people."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is preparing to face Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday, was tight-lipped when asked about the disappointing outcome from his club's perspective. "It's clear what we have to think about," Ancelotti stated. "We have never talked about players from other clubs. We have always had respect for everyone. What we have to think about is preparing well for the final."
