Mauricio Pochettino does not anticipate Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG and responded to rumours about moves for Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.
Kylian Mbappe will be at Paris Saint-Germain “for many years to come”, according to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for World Cup-winning attacker Mbappe, whose contract with PSG is due to expire at the end of next season.
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The 22-year-old has scored 106 goals and set up a further 54 in 147 appearances for PSG. Since his debut for the club on September 8, 2017, the only players in the top five European Leagues to have registered more goal involvements are Robert Lewandowski (184) and Lionel Messi (205).
Mbappe is in talks with the club about a renewal but has never hidden his admiration for Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
Pochettino is not worried, though, and believes Mbappe’s future is at the Parc des Princes.
“Who doesn’t love Kylian? He makes himself loved, with his smile, his face and his energy,” Pochettino told Marca.
“At the age of 19 he was a world champion [with France], impressive things have happened to him, but he is special and different, with a lot of emotional intelligence.
“He has a lot of potential to develop but he is already [someone for the] present, not just the future. It’s a challenge and a good thing to work with this kind of talent, it makes you a better coach. You give this type of player a solution and he gives you five back.
“There are a lot of rumours, but I think he will be at PSG for many years to come, and that’s the club’s hope. We are counting on him for as long as we are here.
“It’s true that he has to make a decision [on his future], but he seems happy and very committed to this project.”
PSG are open to the possibility of signing Messi from Barcelona, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner able to leave Camp Nou on a free at the end of the season.
Asked if having Messi in his team would make him a better coach, Pochettino replied: “Whatever I say will be misunderstood, and I love what I have. Great footballers fit in any league and any team.”
He was far more forthcoming when discussing Sergio Ramos, another high-profile player that will be a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign if he does not sign an extension with Madrid.
“After one month [at PSG] I am finding players with great leadership. The great [players] are able to play and coexist in different projects and cultures, but I am very respectful,” said Pochettino.
“PSG’s strategy has been the same for years, ever since we signed Ronaldinho: to look at market opportunities and bring in those who can improve what we have. We will see in the coming months.
“Here, Ramos would find a great club with the obsession to always win. PSG are one of the biggest [clubs] in the world.”
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