Mbappe accepts he may follow in footsteps of Ronaldo and Messi to leave Europe

Kylian Mbappe has told GQ that he may one day follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messia and Cristiano Ronaldo in leaving Europe during his career.

Mbappé continues to be linked with an imminent departure from Paris Saint-Germain. The France captain’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the current season and remains unclear whether he will extend or leave on a free transfer. Foot Mercato had reported that a pre-contract agreement was in place with Real Madrid, however, speaking to RMC Sport, the player’s entourage has denied that any agreement is in place.

Whilst Mbappé’s short-term future remains unclear, the Frenchman made a more long-term projection. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend that has seen some of the star names in football move away from Europe in their latter years.

Ronaldo did so last winter, making a move to Saudi Arabia – with many big stars, both old and young, following him in the summer – whilst Messi made the move to the MLS, joining Inter Miami.

Mbappé has told GQ that he may too leave Europe. “Many great players that have shaped the history of football have left Europe this summer and we are entering a new era. It’s become part of the cycle of this sport and at some point, it will be my turn to leave. I’m not worried about these changes. I’m simply thinking about continuing my career and following my own path,” said the France captain.

Having rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, Mbappé will likely ply his trade in Europe for many more years to come, whether that be at PSG, or elsewhere.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle