‘Kylian never lied’ – Kylian Mbappé’s mother reflects on star’s ugly PSG divorce

Kylian Mbappé’s move away from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid at the expiration of his contract had positioned him in conflict with the PSG hierarchy as witnessed by the reported legal wranglings over unpaid wages and bonuses to the former star. 

In late June, Mbappé, L’Équipe reported that Mbappé had contracted the club through his lawyers demanding payment for missed wages, and bonuses, including that of a loyalty bonus. Whereas PSG believed that the forward had agreed to give up some of his wages and forgo his bonuses last summer when he and the club came to a gentleman’s agreement. 

As the club explained to InfoBlast, “The player pledged to protect the club upon his departure, firstly giving assurances that he would not leave on a ‘free transfer’ and then if his departure was ultimately a free transfer, agreeing not to leave “for free” (in other words, giving up certain financial rights), which is what some recent holdbacks relate to.”

However, that agreement was never ratified and Mbappé and his lawyers are thought to believe it was made worthless after his playing time was dramatically decreased once the president was informed of the player’s decision to leave for Real Madrid. This conflict has created the conditions for an ugly divorce between the club and their now-former player. 

Something that Kylian Mbappé’s mother has reflected on in an interview with Le Parisien. Fayza Lamari told the French outlet, “What happened in Paris is comparable to a breakup. When you break up, at the time, you can only think about the negative. But our role is not to look back, but rather to let time take its course so that, very quickly, Kylian only remembers the positive points of this last year in Paris.” 

Lamari further stated, “Kylian has never lied. He always told the president that one day he would go to Real. Obviously, when that happens, it’s complicated. But apart from Madrid, he would never have left Paris. It wasn’t easy, but no regrets, let’s remember the good emotions.” 

GFFN | Nick Hartland