Kylian Mbappe offered a cheeky response when asked about his continued links with Real Madrid, as he admitted he expects whistles from France fans.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The mercurial forward looks all but set to complete a move to the Spanish capital from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. But with the transfer not yet officially announced, speculation and questions from reporters will continue. It seems Mbappe has thought up more creative ways of getting around such queries, as evidenced in Monday's press conference.
WHAT MBAPPE SAID
Pressed on France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni's comments stating Spanish people will "see more of him" in Spain, the 25-year-old offered in response: "Well yes, I played Real Sociedad [in the Champions League round of 16], we play Barcelona in the quarter-finals, and if we go through, maybe Atletico [Madrid] in the semis. So yes, Spaniards will see me a bit more."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
With his move to Madrid all-but confirmed, it would be natural for some France fans to feel anger towards their own player, particularly if of a PSG persuasion. Mbappe admitted he is expecting some hostility from the crowd on Tuesday - but not because they are sad to see him go. Rather, Les Bleus will take on Chile at Marseille's Orange Velodrome - just a few days before PSG's match against their arch rivals.
"I understand if I get whistled at tomorrow," he added. "Because on Sunday, Le Classique [Marseille-PSG] is on the programme. But I will focus entirely on the match and not on the reception I will get. I am a PSG player and will not change my way of playing. Should I not be whistled at, I will be surprised. Pleased, however."
DID YOU KNOW?
France fell to a damning 2-0 defeat to Germany on Saturday in what was a statement victory for the Euro 2024 hosts despite it being just a friendly. Mbappe acknowledged that his side were outperformed in that clash but that they are out for revenge against Chile. "We played very badly," he admitted. "Of course it is a friendly, but it still gives indicators that we should not ignore. The leaders failed us on Saturday. We were let down in many aspects. We have been warned and are keen to make a response."
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
The Frenchman will be looking to bounce back against Chile before returning to club action in the aforementioned fixture at Marseille on Sunday. It is not until April 10 that he faces Spanish opposition in Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals on home soil. The return leg at Montjuic takes place six days later.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
