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.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
Alejandro Garnacho is increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer, sources have told ESPN, after he was named on the bench for the Europa League final.United and Garnacho's representatives are expected to have a meeting in the coming days to discuss the Argentina international's exit during the summer transfer window, a source told ESPN.The player is unhappy with the role he has pla...
Liverpool have received a major boost in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz, with Bayern Munich believing the playmaker will not be joining them and is on track for a move to Anfield if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Wirtz has been targeted by both clubs but is believed to favour Liverpool — although they would still need to agree a deal with Leverkusen, which is not a formality given th...
Fernandes told to make mind up over £200m Al-Hilal moveAl-Hilal have reportedly warned Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to make a quick decision over a huge £200 million ($271m) move to Saudi Arabia.Barca could bid farewell to Torre in final La Liga gameYoung midfielder Pablo Torre's future is currently uncertain, and he could play his final game for the Catalans against Athletic C...
DONE DEAL? Al Sadd reach pre-contract terms with Barcelona midfielder PrimAl Sadd have clinched an agreement with Barcelona midfielder Pau Prim.The 19 year-old prospect comes off contract at the end of next month and Mundo Deportivo says Qatar's Al Sadd have agreed a pre-contract with the youngster.Prim will move to the Middle East in a Bosman transfer.The midfielder follows the path of Barca lege...
Atletico Madrid planning shock Real Madrid raid for RodrygoAtletico Madrid are eyeing a shock raid on Real Madrid for unhappy attacker Rodrygo Goes.Rodrygo is unsettled and unhappy at Real, convinced he will never receive the recognition he believes he deserves for what he has achieved with the club.As such, Rodrygo and his agents are considering their options, with talks with Manchester City havi...
McKenna reveals Liam Delap will leave this summer: We've given him the permission...Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that striker Liam Delap will leave the club this summer and he fully supports his decision.The England Under-21 striker will be free to leave Portman Road for just 330m this summer after the Tractor Boys were relegated to the Championship. Delap has scored 12 goals ...
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - BundesligaJonathan Tah and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement that will see the defender join the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tah will complete a long-awaited move to Vincent Kompany's side from Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires this summer, with Sky Sport reporting a deal has been struck. According to Fabrizio R...
Napoli v Cagliari - Serie AScott McTominay has been named Serie A's best player of the 2024-25 season after his key role in Napoli's title success.WHAT HAPPENED?McTominay brought an end to a fantastic debut season in Italy when he scored in Napoli's 2-0 win against Cagliari on Friday, securing the Serie A title on the final day of the season.THE BIGGER PICTUREWith 12 goals and six assists since hi...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 8 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 9 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 10 Transfer news & rumours LIVE