Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has sent a clear message to star striker Kylian Mbappe on the club’s stance on his future.
Mbappe has recently hinted at a move to Real Madrid and his most recent interview suggested that he is open to a move away from Paris, where he is out of contract this summer.
Real Madrid lodged a world record bid - which Sky Sports reported to be in excess of €220million - which received no response from the Ligue 1 club in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.
That led to PSG sporting director Leonardo calling for Real Madrid to be punished by the authorities over their pursuit of the player.
Now, the Brazilian has admitted that the club “want him to stay for his whole life” but confessed that they must “respect his position” – hinting that it is a losing battle.
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Mbappe will theoretically be available to speak to other clubs from 1 January – while PSG are due to play Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Champions League the following month.
Leonardo told an interview with Le JDD and Europe1, which will be aired on Sunday night: "If Mbappe decides to stay, he will stay because it is our wish.
"It is a complicated situation because we would like him to stay his whole life and we have to respect his position.
"I think there are still good opportunities to renew his contract. I believe in that."
The PSG sporting director believes that the France international has developed into the best player in the world since joining the club from Monaco in the summer of 2017.
He added: "Mbappe is the best player in the world.
"People will think that we say that because we want to renew his contract, but no.
"It is beyond the interest of the club. At 22, almost 23, Kylian has reached an incredible maturity."
The striker has built up a fearsome attacking partnership with Neymar over his four years at the French capital club, with the duo joined this summer by Lionel Messi from Barcelona.
The Argentine superstar has struggled to find his best form in his opening months in Paris and has found the net just once in Ligue 1.
Mbappe has netted a remarkable 124 goals in 150 appearances for Les Parisiens, with 13 strikes and counting so far this campaign – more than any other player in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
The player has frequently spoken about his openness for a future move to Real Madrid, who could now sign the striker as a free agent this coming summer if he does not renew his PSG deal.
