Former France international Samir Nasri has called on Kylain Mbappe to reject a move to Real Madrid next summer in favour of staying at PSG.
Mbappe has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for several years and will have the opportunity to complete the deal as a free agent when his contract at Paris expires next summer.
However, ex-Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Nasri has urged France’s captain to stay in Ligue 1, believing that the 24-year-old’s achievements with his boyhood club will always trump whatever he could do in Spain.
“Yes, even in world football. If he leaves, it will leave a hole, but with the budget, they will be able to recruit other players—who will not be Mbappe, that is clear,” he said.
“But today, he has such importance, whether in the French team or with his club. Already two years ago, I said he was the best player in the world. I still think so.
“He is from the Paris region; in his place, I would stay at PSG instead of going to Madrid to win the fiftieth Champions League for Real.
“If [Marseille] had been owned by Qatar when I was at the club, I would never have left. I think it is better to be the king in your village.”
The rallying cry comes ahead of the forward’s impending free agency, which would result in the Parisians losing their star for nothing. Mbappe’s refusal to extend his lucrative contract in the summer upset club executives.
Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi officially informed the former Monaco striker that he would not be allowed to depart on a free transfer.
Mbappe has thrived since his return to the team, scoring 10 goals in 10 Ligue 1 games and two more in the Champions League.
