Luis Enrique Reflects on Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid Move, Praises His Character

Luis Enrique has opened up about Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile move to Real Madrid, calling it “a pity” that the French superstar is no longer at Paris Saint-Germain. After years of transfer speculation, Mbappe made the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024, leaving PSG as a free agent following the expiration of his contract.

“A Wonderful Player and Person”

Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye during their time together at PSG, Enrique, who spent one season coaching the World Cup winner, expressed nothing but admiration for both Mbappe’s on-field talent and his off-field personality. Reflecting on his time with the forward, Enrique told Movistar: “In Kylian’s case, I met a wonderful player. A person of an exceptional personal level, which you rarely find when you arrive and see a player of that level. Human, affectionate, close. He is a wonderful player.”

Enrique went on to admit that losing Mbappe to Madrid was a significant blow for PSG: “What a pity he went to Madrid. Especially for us at the time. But life is also part of the game.”

Mbappe’s Legacy at PSG

Mbappe, who became PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer during his seven-year spell in Paris, was a revelation for the French club, consistently performing at the highest level. Although Enrique occasionally benched the star, his respect for Mbappe’s contributions and character remains unwavering.

“I hope everything goes very well for him. I have nothing to reproach him for. He conditioned his departure, and we always tried to improve his virtues and cover his defects,” Enrique added. “He has always been very polite and respectful, as were his brother and parents.”

A New Chapter for Mbappe

As Mbappe begins a new chapter with Real Madrid, his departure leaves a significant void at PSG. However, Enrique’s comments highlight the mutual respect between coach and player, despite their occasional differences. The Frenchman’s time in Paris will be remembered for his exceptional performances and professionalism, and his new journey in Spain is sure to keep the football world captivated.