Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has accused Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe of succumbing to “political and economic pressure” to extend his contract with the French club.
The Real Madrid president said in an interview with Spain’s Mega channel El Chiringuito: “He (Mbappe) has always considered it his dream to play for Real Madrid, and about 15 days before he made the decision, the situation is completely changed due to political and economic pressures.”
Pérez, who did not speak publicly on Mbappe’s aborted move to Real Madrid on May 22, added: “This issue, apart from the material factor and sporting leadership, made him change his mind when we found ourselves in a difficult situation. Such a confusing situation, we are trying to get out of it by all means. It is easy to receive a call from the President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron).”
He continued: “Here in Spain, it’s hard to understand what the King of Spain calls a club… It’s very difficult to understand.”
He explained: “There are two countries, Qatar and France, which have strong relations, and Qatar is at the request of the President of France, and this is my understanding of this matter, otherwise it is impossible.”
He said: “Since I have been in office, no president of the republic has contacted any of the players and announced this to public opinion. I don’t think this question was a good signal for other clubs in France. “
But Pérez didn’t completely rule out the possibility of Mbappe moving to Real Madrid in the future, saying: “Not now, because the Mbappe I know is not the current Mbappe, but if things change, anything is possible in the future.”
