“What a shame he went to Real Madrid” - Luis Enrique offers opinion on Kylian Mbappe joining Los Blancos
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique has lamented Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid this summer. The French superstar left the Parc des Princes at the expiration of his contract at the end of last season and arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent.
Mbappe first caught the imagination of fans during his time at Monaco. He rose through the ranks at Stade Louis II before breaking into the first team in the 2015-16 season.
He registered 26 goals from 44 games for the club the following campaign, helping them win the Ligue 1 title before the Parisians came calling. PSG secured his services initially on a season-long loan in 2017, before the move was made permanent for a reported fee of around £166m the following year.
Kylian Mbappe became a world-beater at PSG and soon turned heads at Real Madrid. Los Blancos were hot on his heels for a while, failing in two previous attempts to prise him away.
The Parisians moved mountains to keep their prized asset at the club, however, it was soon clear that the French superstar dreamt of moving to the Spanish giants. PSG roped in Luis Enrique for the hot seat at the club, hoping to convince the 25-year-old of their ambitions, but all their efforts proved futile.
Speaking to Moviestar, as cited by Madrid Xtra, the Spanish manager praised his former player.
“Kylian Mbappé is a MARVELOUS player. What a shame he went to Real Madrid,” said Enrique.
Mbappe left the Parc des Princes with 256 goals and 108 assists from 308 games across competitions.
Can Kylian Mbappe win the Champions League with Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappe has enjoyed an impressive start to life with Real Madrid. The French superstar has had to operate in a more central role at the Santiago Bernabeu, owing to Vinicius Junior's presence.
However, Mbappe has still registered six goals and one assist from eight games across competitions. He started his tenure with a goal in the 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, his first trophy with Los Blancos.
With the La Liga giants fighting on multiple fronts this season, the Frenchman could add more silverware to his collection by the end of the campaign. However, Kylian Mbappe will be eager to get his hands on the UEFA Champions League, a trophy that has eluded him so far.
Real Madrid are the most successful club in the tournament and are also the reigning champions. As such, Mbappe, who has already scored in his Champions League debut with Los Blancos, will be quietly confident of finally winning the coveted trophy.