Kylian Mbappe became the most sought-after teenager in football this summer, with the pick of the clubs fighting for his signature.
Having made his breakthrough at Monaco, the 18-year-old has, in his own words, “only six months’ [experience] playing at the highest level”. But that didn’t deter European football’s elite from trying to add the French forward to their strike force.
After months of speculation, Mbappe finally made a decision on his future last week: he was going “home” to the French capital to play alongside Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain.
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Initially signing on loan until the end of the season, the €180m (£165m) transfer fee from Monaco makes him the world’s most expensive teenager, and the second-most expensive player ever after his Brazilian teammate.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Telegraph, Mbappe explained why PSG was the only club for him, despite Arsenal being a “real option”.
“Being here is like going back home for me,” he said at his official unveiling at PSG. “I used to come to this stadium when I was a boy to watch games.
“I was a football fan, a kid who loved football, and when you are a kid from Paris there are only two stadiums – the Stade de France or the Parc des Princes – and that is what makes Paris so special.
“There is only one club in Paris, so every Paris kid follows Paris Saint-Germain. And if that kid has money in his pocket, he comes to games here.”
Getting the chance to develop his talents at PSG was another reason for Mbappe to leave Monaco - although after meeting with Arsene Wenger about a possible switch to the Emirates, the youngster admits he was impressed by Arsenal’s French boss.
“Yes, I met with Arsene Wenger, who is a great coach,” said Mbappe. “He has a great reputation here in France, he’s well respected and knows how to develop young players.
“This was a real option for me. But, of course, Paris Saint-Germain was the main option.
“We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of all the clubs, but my family told me it had to be my decision and one I needed to make. It also had to be a long-term decision. So it was up to me and I decided to come here in order to develop.”
After failing to sign Mbappe, Wenger knew he had missed out a great footballing talent. The long-serving Arsenal manager even went as far to compare Mbappe to one of the game’s greatest ever players.
“It’s really incredible to be compared to a player like ‘King Pele’, who is the king of football,” said Mbappe. “But what I must think about is working hard and following my own pathway and not thinking about people who compare you to other players.”