Kylian Mbappe reveals French president Emmanuel Macron's role in Real Madrid decision

Mbappe, now 23 years old, was on the verge of signing a free transfer to Real Madrid in May before changing his mind at the last minute and signing a new three-year agreement with PSG instead. 

Upon his contract with PSG expires at the end of the 2017–18 season, Mbappe, then 23 years old, reached an individual agreement with Real.

Mbappe had been Madrid's long-term top goal, and this decision ended, at least for the time being, with one of the most high-profile, lengthy transfer sagas of recent years.

After further discussions with the club, the attacker ultimately decided to stay in Paris, signing a lucrative new contract and aggravating Real Madrid.

French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly tried to keep Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year when Real Madrid was courting the young star.

In an exclusive interview with the New York Times, Mbappe said, "I never imagined I'm gonna talk with the president [Macron] about my future. It's something crazy, really something crazy."

Mbappe further revealed his conversation, "He told me: 'I want you to stay, I don't want you to leave now. You are so important to the country' Of course when the president says that to you, that counts."

Mbappe has previously said that it was PSG's sporting project and not financial or other considerations which influenced his decision. "Everywhere I go I'm gonna get money," Mbappe told NYT. "I'm this type of player everywhere I go."

This season, Mbappe has started five times for Ligue 1 and scored seven times. Mbappe scored in both legs, but PSG still lost to Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Mbappe has stated that he has a "special relationship" with Madrid and has not ruled out the prospect of a transfer to the club in the future.

PSG currently leads Ligue 1 and defeats Juventus in their Champions League opener.

Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious against Juventus as Kylian Mbappe stars

On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain opened its Champions League season with a 2-1 triumph over Juventus, largely thanks to two spectacular goals from the club's star striker.

Five minutes into the game, Neymar lobbed the ball over the Juventus defence, and Mbappe slammed a first-time volley past Mattia Perin to give PSG the lead.

After interchange in the penalty area with Achraf Hakimi, Mbappe scored his second of the night, a first-time volley past Perin to double PSG's lead.

While Neymar and Messi put on a beautiful display of dribbling and passing, Mbappé and his colleagues dominated the first half.

Just minutes into the second half, Lionel Messi sent Mbappe down the right wing, but instead of passing to an unmarked Neymar, the France striker blasted high and wide.

Mbappé, 23 years and 260 days old at the time, surpassed his teammate Lionel Messi by 47 days to become the youngest player to score 35 goals in Europe's top club competition.

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