Kylian Mbappe has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in January, forcing fans to wonder if his alleged strained relationship with Neymar is the real reason behind the Frenchman's displeasure. Pictures and videos from the Ligue 1 champions' 1-1 draw against Benfica in their Champions League clash on Tuesday prove otherwise.
Sensational French forward Kylian Mbappe continues to hit the headlines as reports now claim that the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star is unhappy with the Ligue 1 champions and has sought an exit in January. The news broke before the French giants' Champions League clash against Benfica at Parc des Princes, forcing fans to wonder if the supposed strained relationship with teammate Neymar is the real reason behind the youngster's frustration.
Mbappe shocked the football world in May this year by turning down a lucrative offer to join Real Madrid and renewing his contract with PSG. However, it appears that not everything has gone as he may have wished. Reports suggest that the France international is unhappy at the Parc des Princes as he believes the club had broken several promises they made when he signed a three-year contract extension. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the star forward was 'expecting a different kind of project in the summer, and it's also about some internal dynamics'.
Some football enthusiasts believe the clash of ego between Mbappe and Brazilian superstar Neymar is the main reason behind the Frenchman's desire to exit PSG. One may recall in August's 5-2 win against Montpellier, Neymar stepped up to take a penalty kick after Mbappe had missed a spot-kick in the same game early on. The France international decided not to celebrate the penalty after the Brazilian icon scored with a sensational strike. Reports had indicated that the 23-year-old wanted PSG to get rid of Neymar in the summer, but the club failed to find a suitor. The Brazil international, realising the need to step up to stay at the club, has hit the ground running this season with nine goals across competitions.
However, contrary to what is being claimed, pictures and videos from Tuesday's Champions League draw against Benfica have proved that all is well between Mbappe and Neymar and their alleged strained relationship may not be the reason for the Frenchman's displeasure at the club. The 2018 World Cup winner rippled the back of the net during the 1-1 clash at Parc des Princes as he stepped up to convert a penalty in the 40th minute of the game.
What surprised fans was Neymar's reaction before and after the goal. The Brazilian, who seems to have moved on from the 'penalty-gate', encouraged Mbappe before he could take the shot. It might not sound like a big deal, but when it comes to this PSG side and their never-ending sagas, the footage of Neymar giving words of encouragement is of enormous significance.
Maybe Mbappe and Neymar's relationship is not as severely broken as made out earlier. Video of the two sharing a light moment during the warm-up ahead of Tuesday's clash is also proof that perhaps rumours of the France international's displeasure due to the Brazilian's role may be untrue. And Christophe Galtier was questioned about the rather unexpected Mbappe debacle, and the PSG manager was coy on the subject.
"A lot was said about him this afternoon," the PSG boss told RMC Sport, per GFFN. "I haven't spoken about it with him. The objective is to remain concentrated on the match. He gave a lot tonight. He showed he was a great player, that he was concentrated on the match and the competition. We were all concentrated on the objective and on the match. A rumour becomes a piece of news, and a piece of news becomes a statement. I find that very surprising a few hours before a very important match."
PSG's main objective this season is to win the Champions League. Given the sheer experience stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe have, fans would hope the famous 'MNM' trio will play the sport in its true spirit and guide the club to its maiden European championship title. Only time will tell whether an 'unhappy' Mbappe wants to exit PSG or not in January. In the meantime, one thing is certain the three stars will be focused on the upcoming World Cup 2022 event in Qatar that starts in under two months.