Kylian Mbappe has played down speculations linking him with a summer move to Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe has ruled out a summer move to Real Madrid, saying the Spanish club is for players “at the peak of their careers”, thus dealing Los Blancos a huge blow in their pursuit to sign the AS Monaco forward.
Speaking to reporters following France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain, Mbappe said that he is concentrating on developing “bit by bit” at Monaco. “Madrid? I’m at Monaco for now, we’re going bit by bit,” he said. “Madrid is for players at the peak of their careers, and I am not there yet.”
He added that he wants to keep his feet on the ground and work hard, while playing regular football. He continued: “I have been brought up, and have people around me, to help me keep my feet on the ground. What I want is to play football, score goals, win games and trophies. Every player has their career.”
Mbappe currently has the world at his feet, following what continues to be a breakthrough season for the teenager. Still only 18, he has been hailed as the “next Thierry Henry” ever since he broke two records that were previously held by the legendary French striker.
Mbappe has been one of the many success stories in what has been a remarkable campaign for Monaco. The principality club has stormed to the top of the Ligue 1 table ahead of champions PSG, and Mbappe has played an instrumental role for them, notching up 19 goals and 11 assists in just 32 appearances across all competitions.
Needless to say, all his success has also captured the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. The likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Manchester United, Inter Milan, PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid all registering an interest in signing him in the summer.
However, Monaco vice-president, Vadim Vasiley has insisted that they won’t sell their prized asset any time soon, despite interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. In fact, the Ligue 1 leaders have even rejected two staggering bids from Manchester United, thus showing that they have no interest in letting go of Mbappe.
Real Madrid, though, were believed to be willing to go all out in pursuit of the teenager. That is because Karim Benzema is likely to be sold in the summer following an inconsistent 2016/17, while Alvaro Morata is eager to leave, having grown out of favour with Zinedine Zidane.
However, Mbappe, himself, has now insisted that he does not wish to move away to Real Madrid any time soon, thus dealing a huge blow to the Spanish heavyweights. It is now starting to look likely that the 18-year-old will continue to remain at Stade Louis II to continue his development as a regular for Monaco.
