Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has once again blasted Real Madrid for the strategy they have adopted in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe.
In a talk at Festival dello Sport, as quoted by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Leonardo has once again expressed his annoyance over Real Madrid’s methods to secure the services of Kylian Mbappe, with the Paris Saint-Germain sporting director claiming that Los Blancos ought to be punished for their actions.
It is a transfer saga that has now turned into a soap opera of sorts. It is well documented that Real Madrid wish to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, having attempted to do so multiple times over the years. Things, though, have reached a head in the summer transfer window, when the Spanish giants were hot on the trails of the 22-year-old till deadline day before calling off their pursuit.
The interest in Mbappe has not waned since even as Leonardo has time and again criticised Real Madrid for their approach of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. Back in the summer, the PSG sporting director claimed that the Merengues’ methods of approaching Mbappe were “illegal” while recently he said that they showed a lack of respect.
Leonardo does not seem to be ending his chastisement of Real Madrid and in a talk at Festival dello Sport, he has gone as far as saying that Real Madrid ought to be punished for their decision to speak to Mbappe publicly. He also added that PSG remain intent on tying Mbappe down to a new deal.
The PSG chief said, “From Madrid they deny it, but I think that Real Madrid have been working to sign Mbappe for a long time. They have been speaking publicly about Mbappe for two years. This should be punished.”
“From Real Madrid I see a lack of respect. Mbappé is not a normal player, he is one of the best in the world. The coach, the board, the Real players talked about Kylian … I think it’s part of their plan. It is not respectful.”
“Our idea is to extend Kylian Mbappe’s contract. Nothing has changed in our plans. Kylian is a jewel, he is incredibly perfect for PSG. We have Kylian, Leo, Ney. We have never planned the future of PSG without Mbappe.”
Judging by recent reports, it does not look like Real Madrid are going to be stopped in their tracks as far as their pursuit of Mbappe is concerned. PSG, though, remain in a precarious position, seeing as he is running down his deal at Parc des Princes, as things stand.