France president Emmanuel Macron has revealed he helped convince Kylian Mbappe to remain at PSG.
Mbappe signed a three-year contract at the French champions, ending speculation that he could move to Real Madrid on a free contract.
Macron, who is a fan of PSG’s rivals Marseille, said a meeting with the World Cup winner saw the president urge Mbappe to stay in Ligue 1 and reject a move to Spain.
“Yes, it is true that I had a conversation with Kylian Mbappe before he made a firm decision about his future,” said President Macron.
“In it, I merely advised him, in a totally informal way, to remain in France. I believe it is my responsibility, as president, to defend the country when asked in an informal and friendly manner.
“I have never intervened in any transfer. Just like any other citizen, when it comes to sporting matters, I always want to see a good game and cheer on a team, especially, in my case, Olympique de Marseille.”
