Kylian Mbappe 'not afraid' to leave Monaco but won't settle for 'less playing time' at major European club
Mbappe has seen his stock his rise on the continent and has subsequently been linked with a number of European sides after a stellar season with Monaco
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kylian Mbappe has admitted he is “not afraid” to leave AS Monaco amid rising interest from Europe’s big spenders – but suggested he would not be prepared to join a major club in order to “play less”.
After enjoying a stellar season with the Ligue 1 champions, in which he scored 26 goals in 44 games for the side, Mbappe has seen his stock his rise on the continent and has subsequently been linked with a number of European sides.
Real Madrid and Manchester City have both been linked to the forward in recent weeks, with Pep Guardiola understood to have approached the 18-year-old in the last few days.
But while Mbappe has refused to rule out a move away from the Stade Louis II, the Frenchman made it clear he does not want to compromise his development in favour of a big-money move.
“Why play less?” the teenager asked. “I'll have time to reflect on that and, no, I'm not afraid to leave.”
Mbappe also added that the chance to player under Zinedine Zidane, a childhood hero of his, would not sway any decision on his future.
“I dreamed of Zidane the player, not the coach,” Mbappe said.
“Zidane the player made me dream and still makes me dream when I watch videos of him.
“The coach is completely different, he is a great coach who has quickly achieved results and continues to develop.”
He added that he will listen to the advice of France coach Didier Deschamps over his next move, should he offer it.
"The advice of [Deschamps] counts. That will not guide my choice, but it will count. I do not think I will go to his office to ask.
"But there's plenty of time to think about all this. There are important matches for France."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments