Paris Sainte-Germaine striker Kylian Mbappé has said he may one day follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messia and Cristiano Ronaldo in leaving Europe during his career. 

He made this known during an interview with GQ.

This follows speculations over his future as his current deal with the Paris club ends this summer.

The situation has linked the 25-year-old with an imminent departure from Paris Saint-Germain as he remains unclear whether he will extend or leave on a free transfer. 

According to Foot Mercato, a pre-contract agreement was in place with Real Madrid. However, speaking to RMC Sport, the player’s management has denied that any agreement is in place. 

As his future remains unclear, the Frenchman made a more long-term projection concerning playing outside Europe in the latter part of his career.

There has been an increasing trend that has seen some of the star players in football move away from Europe in their latter years recently. 

Cristiano Ronaldo did so last winter, while Kareem Benzema made moves to Saudi Arabia. This has also seen many big stars, both old and young, do the same in the summer – whilst Messi made the move to the MLS, joining Inter Miami. 

Many great players who have shaped the history of football have left Europe this summer, and a new era has begun.

“It’s become part of the cycle of this sport, and at some point, it will be my turn to leave. I’m not worried about these changes. I’m simply thinking about continuing my career and following my own path,” said the France captain. 

Mbappe, who rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, will likely ply his trade in Europe for many more years to come, whether that be at PSG or elsewhere.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed