PSG captain hopes for solution to Mbappe dispute
Monday, 24 July 2023
OSAKA, Japan, July 23 (AFP): Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos said Sunday he hoped the club would solve its dispute with Kylian Mbappe and welcome the France superstar back into the squad for the upcoming season.
Mbappe was left out of a squad of 29 players for the French champions' pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea amid an ongoing contract dispute.
"He is an exceptional player but it is a decision that was taken over our heads, by the management," Marquinhos told reporters in the Japanese city of Osaka.
He admitted it was a "delicate" subject.
"Even in Japan you are here with your questions," he complained, although new coach Luis Enrique, sitting alongside the Brazilian, escaped without being asked about Mbappe.
"We always want to have top players with us and I hope a decision will be taken to allow him to be with us and help us this season," Marquinhos added.
The 24-year-old Mbappe has said he will not extend his existing deal with the Qatar-owned club, which expires next year, and PSG therefore decided not to take him on the trip east.
He has said he wants to remain in Paris for one more year, but PSG say they would prefer to sell him in this transfer window rather than seeing him depart as a free agent in 2024.