Sports News of Friday, 2 August 2019

Source: dailypost.ng

Transfer: Mbappe speaks on desire to dump PSG, rivalry with Cavani for No.9 role -

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe has clarified the comments he made at the National Union of Professional Footballers’ (UNFP) Ligue 1 Player and Young Player of the Year awards ceremony in May, that suggested he was trying to force a summer exit.

After the 20-year-old beat off competition from the likes of teammates Neymar for the prize, he remarked: “I think that it is a very important moment for me as I feel that I am approaching a first, or second, turning point in my career

“I have discovered a lot of things here and I feel that it is perhaps time for greater responsibility.

“I hope that it will be with PSG, which would be with great pleasure, or maybe elsewhere with a new project. However, I would like to say thank you.”

However, during a press conference in Shenzhen today, he offered his apologies for causing any tension.

“No desire to leave, my words were ambiguous.

“True, it was not the right time, nor place.

“I will take this opportunity to apologise to my teammates present at the ceremony that night.

“I spoiled the party a bit – I stole the show but in a negative sense.”

Mbappe also cleared up claims that he wants to replace Edinson Cavani as PSG’s main central striking option after that public declaration.

“I am surprised some say I want to play as our No. 9.

“We have Edinson, who is a great player — I am not here to take the place of other great players,” he added.