Kylian Mbappe reveals why he chose PSG over Real Madrid: 'Great players make history in their own country'
- Kylian Mbappe will give 'everything' to make history with Paris Saint-Germain
- The 18-year-old joined PSG from Monaco despite interest from Real Madrid
- Mbappe says the arrival of Neymar at Parc des Princes was an 'additional boost'
Kylian Mbappe chose to join Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Real Madrid and a host of other top European outfits because he believes making history in his native France is the most direct path to greatness.
The 18-year-old was courted by Real Madrid and Manchester City among others for much of the summer transfer market, but chose to return to his home city of Paris to play at the Parc des Princes.
While the chance to play alongside Neymar and the huge wages on offer would have certainly had their say in his decision, Mbappe revealed that his mind was ultimately made up by the chance to achieve great things in France.
Kylian Mbappe says the chance to reach his potential in France was the key to his PSG move
'Great players make history in their own country,' he told Telefoot. 'If I had left France after six months I would have left as an eternal hope.
'When you come to Paris you are at a club that has the ambition to be the best in the world, you have come to a club that wants to play in all the competitions.
'I'm going to give everything I have got to make history with PSG.
'Playing with Neymar is something extraordinary. PSG already interested me, but having Neymar is an additional boost.'
France striker Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan from rivals Monaco on deadline day
The 18-year-old has been the subject of interest from a host of clubs including Real Madrid
Mbappe officially joined PSG from Monaco on a season-long loan, but Sportsmail understands PSG are obliged to complete a permanent deal worth £166million next summer, making him the second-most expensive player ever after Neymar.
And while there is huge pressure on the youngster to go on to become one of the games best players, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the transfer fee could end up being a snip, comparing him to the great Pele.
Wenger told Telefoot: 'Mbappe could be the next Pele, there are no limits to how far he can go. We can already see the difference in the calls he makes [to receive the ball]. He scores but he also creates -- only the very best players can do this.'
Most watched Sport videos
- Luke Davico at the Raiders V Bulldogs grand final in 1994
- Ryan Garcia performs rap song on stage at Las Vegas' Zouk Nightclub
- Arsenal pay tribute to Gunners fan Daniel Anjorin at the Emirates
- Ed Sheeran celebrates Ipswich Town's promotion from Miami
- Jurgen Klopp attacks English football and 'overworked' Premier League
- Vunipola recalls the moment he was tasered twice by police
- Jake Paul presses Ryan Garcia on failed drug test during livestream
- Liverpool manager reflects on winning game against Tottenham
- Guardiola: 'Haaland was frustrated but I can guarantee he is happy'
- 'I did not enjoy today': Moyes rues West Ham defeat to Chelsea
- Liverpool training clip goes viral for 'squad showing no intensity'
- 'Hugely disappointing outcome': Spurs manager reflects on loss