Kylian Mbappe has held back the truth over where his future lies because he is desparate to join Real Madrid, according to former Paris Saint-Germain winger Jerome Rothen.
Mbappe is heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he would link up with fellow Frenchman and long-term admirer Zinedine Zidane.
The 22-year-old has just over one year remaining on his contract with PSG, for whom he has scored 24 goals in 31 games this season.
Mbappe has done little to play down speculation over his future or suggest he is close to signing a new contract at Parc des Princes, leaving Rothen convinced his future lies elsewhere.
“It is complicated. We are not in his head and he has personal goals and desires,” the former France international told ParisFans .
“Is he convinced to stay at PSG? I don't think so, since otherwise his contract would have already been extended.
“I think he felt that his future lay elsewhere. It is not a criticism, he has the right to think like that.”
Where will Kylian Mbappe be playing his football next season? Have your say in the comments.
While Rothen does not blame Mbappe for wanting a new challenge, he believes the forward has been dishonest with PSG regarding his future.
The 42-year-old added: “I have the impression that he (Mbappe) sometimes hides certain truths.
“It feels like he’s not being direct and I don't like that very much. Because it means that you are an opportunist, that your goal was to go to Real Madrid, but given the financial context of Madrid, you can't anymore. That's not very honest.
“My message to him is 'be clearer'. The club will continue with or without him.”
Though their crisis is not as dire as rivals Barcelona's, Real Madrid are in £772million of debt and may struggle to table a bid for Mbappe this summer.
Though he will have just one year remaining on his contract by that time, PSG are highly unlikely to part ways with their star man for a cut-price fee.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
