Mbappé opens up on PSG exit: “revenge doesn’t exist”

Mbappé returns to France and, tomorrow, to the Parc des Princes. The France-Italy match will kick off a new edition of the Nations League. “We’ve already won this competition, which brought us immense joy, but losing it wasn’t the end of the world,” said the Real Madrid player, chosen to speak at the press conference.

He confirmed his nose is fine, and that things in the Spanish capital are going well: “Everything is working very well.” Regarding PSG and his reunion with the Parisian fans, there are no hard feelings: “Maybe it’s my age, but I’m learning that revenge doesn’t exist. What happened last year, happened. I have only good memories. PSG is a club that gave me everything, and I spent seven wonderful years there. I truly wish them the best.”

How does it feel to be back in France?

“I didn’t leave that long ago! It’s always a pleasure to join the national team, as I’ve said before.”

Is the Nations League a big challenge for you?

“For us, nothing is more important than the French national team. We’ve already won this competition, and it brought us great joy. But when we lost, it wasn’t the end of the world either. We’re going to give it our all. We have to win tomorrow’s match. I remember we actually won this competition in Italy.”

How do you feel after the European Championship?

“Well, my nose isn’t broken anymore! So I’m fine. I’m able to play in all three attacking positions. Physically and mentally, I feel good.”

How is your adaptation to Real Madrid going?

“I’m very happy. Everything is going well, and my performance is improving little by little. I’ve been scoring, and things are working out. But I come to the national team with the same energy as always.”

Do you still have the same motivation to play for France?

“Always. I come here to win. I’m happy in Madrid, but my pride in representing Les Bleus remains unchanged.”

What kind of reception do you expect at the Parc des Princes?

“It’s special. I spent many years there, and I have lots of memories. It’s the stadium I know best in my career so far. As for the reception tomorrow, I’m not expecting much. The most important thing is to win and get the Nations League campaign off to a good start.”

How’s your nose?

“When I arrived in Madrid, they ran tests and said I didn’t need surgery. I’m feeling good.”

What do you think of Barcola, your replacement at PSG?

“I’m not surprised by his performance. I’m happy for him; he’s not only a great player but also a good person. I wish him all the best. Take care of him, because while he’s fresh air now, there will be times when he doesn’t score, and I hope people don’t criticize him for it. He’s at a great club where he can develop and play important matches. It’s good for him, PSG, and, of course, for us in the national team.”

Anything to say to PSG?

“I have nothing but good memories. PSG is a club that gave me everything, and I spent seven wonderful years there. I wish them nothing but the best.”

Do you feel the need for revenge?

“No. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m learning that revenge doesn’t exist. What happened last year happened, and it has helped me avoid making the same mistakes again.”