Remember when Kylian Mbappe was the poster boy for Paris Saint-Germain’s bid to dominate European football?
His big-money move from Monaco to PSG in 2017 was designed to establish PSG as the biggest club in Europe. It didn’t happen.
PSG dominated domestically, but success in the Champions League eluded them despite Mbappe’s presence in the team.
The French giants made Mbappe one of the wealthiest athletes on the planet, but that wasn’t enough for him.
Mbappe’s desire to be rated alongside footballing greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo resulted in him making overtures towards Real Madrid.
PSG subsequently pushed the boat out to retain his services, but Mbappe ultimately secured his dream move to Madrid.
Crucially, PSG didn’t receive a penny when he jumped ship. His strategic manipulation of the situation left a sour taste.
The fall-out has resulted in a legal case between PSG and Mbappe which centres around £47.5 million in unpaid wages and bonuses.
While acknowledging that figure is not inconsequential, Mbappe’s brazen dalliance with Madrid before he joined them leaves a sour taste.
PSG feel let down by Mbappe after offering him the most lucrative contract in club history when he signed a new deal in 2022.
The Frenchman was reportedly frustrated because he felt promises to sign key players were not kept. Quite what he meant by ‘key players’ is anyone’s guess.
Mbappe subsequently got his move to Madrid. You’d be hard-pushed to argue his addition to the ranks has improved them.
By contrast, PSG’s squad building over the past couple of years has paid dividends. Despite not getting a bumper fee for Mbappe, they are better without him.
PSG may not go on and win this season’s Champions League, but their team is more cohesive now that Mbappe has gone.
The surly forward may eventually get his £47.5m from PSG, but he will never be able to shrug off the fact that the club he claimed to love is better off without him.
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What to watch
Manchester City versus Crystal Palace tomorrow lunchtime. Adam Wharton’s audition for a move to a big club.
