Zoé Pallier, edited by Mélanie Faure
modified to
11:02 a.m., May 22, 2022
After months of sports soap opera, the news fell this Saturday. No, Kylian Mbappé is not leaving Paris Saint-Germain to sign for Real Madrid. The French international has opted to stay at the club in the French capital, rather than joining Karim Benzema in Spain. A decision that leaves Madrid fans bitter.
Real Madrid fans will have believed it until the end. This Saturday noon in the Spanish capital, all hopes were still there. Ismaël is in front of the club’s official store with his white football shirt, ready to have “Mbappé” flocked on the back. The suspense has been at its height for months, so much so that weariness is beginning to show.
Carlos, he made up his mind: “For us, it will be a disappointment, but there are other players. He is not alone. We already have Benzema and already a great team.”
“We don’t want him here anymore”
When the news of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain falls in the afternoon, the people of Madrid are bitter. “I understand,” said a supporter. “It’s his decision. But he chose money over sporting success. He’s the loser.”
As to whether the player once adored here could join Real Madrid after 2025, the answer last night was adamant: “No, not even in three years. We don’t want him here anymore.”