Kylian Mbappé delivers a blow to the Parisians six months later: “I didn’t like 2022 because I was

In a revealing interview with Real Madrid’s official channel, Kylian Mbappé reflected on a turbulent chapter of his career. The 26-year-old superstar candidly shared that the year 2022 was a particularly difficult one, leaving an indelible mark on his footballing journey. His comments have ignited fresh controversy, particularly in France, where his former club Paris Saint-Germain remains a sensitive topic.

As Real Madrid players returned to training this Monday to prepare for their La Liga clash against Valencia, Mbappé took the opportunity to express his satisfaction with life in Madrid. However, it was his sharp critique of his time at PSG that raised eyebrows, both in Paris and beyond. “2022? I didn’t like that year much because I was playing at PSG,” he said with a laugh, adding, “On top of that, I had to play against Real Madrid!”

These words struck a nerve in Paris, where fans are still coming to terms with his departure. After all, 2022 was the year PSG celebrated triumphantly keeping Mbappé despite his highly publicized links to Real Madrid. But for the player himself, it seems that year was anything but a highlight.

A Rocky Relationship with PSG
Mbappé’s relationship with PSG, once celebrated as a dream partnership, had soured significantly by the time he left for Madrid. The player described feeling like a “hostage” during his final years at the French capital club, citing immense financial offers and political pressures designed to keep him in Ligue 1.

For the first five years, Mbappé and PSG shared mutual adoration. But as the years passed, the bond began to fray. The 2022 Champions League clash against Real Madrid was a turning point. Despite scoring a stunning goal in the first leg, Mbappé’s PSG was eliminated after a dramatic comeback orchestrated by Karim Benzema. “It was tough to play against the club I had always dreamed of representing,” Mbappé admitted, revealing the inner conflict he endured during that period.

A Bold Escape to Madrid
After years of speculation and near-moves, Mbappé finally joined Real Madrid in June 2024, taking drastic measures to free himself from PSG’s grasp. The transfer was not without its drama, but for Mbappé, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. “It wasn’t easy to leave, but I knew it was time to move on,” he said during the interview.

The reception in Madrid was nothing short of royal. Thousands of fans filled the Santiago Bernabéu to welcome their new Galáctico, who made a special effort to address them in Spanish. “The fans were incredible with me because they saw that I was trying to speak their language,” Mbappé shared. This gesture endeared him to Madridistas and helped him integrate quickly into the squad.

Rediscovering Confidence
Despite a rocky start to the season, Mbappé has found his rhythm in recent weeks. His form has been electric, with five goals and two assists in his last six matches. This resurgence comes after a challenging debut that included a missed penalty against Liverpool, a moment Mbappé described as “one of the lowest points” of his career.

The French forward’s confidence is now soaring, and he credits the support of his teammates and coaching staff for helping him settle into his new environment. “I feel like I’m finally playing my best football again,” he said. “This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a historic chapter for me at Real Madrid.”

A New Year, New Goals
Looking ahead to 2025, Mbappé is determined to deliver silverware for Los Blancos. “This is a club that demands excellence,” he said. “I came here to win trophies, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.” Marca has reported that Mbappé has set ambitious goals for the year, including winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the revamped Club World Cup.

Mbappé’s arrival has also reinvigorated Real Madrid’s attack, with his partnership alongside Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham proving to be one of the most formidable trios in world football. The addition of potential reinforcements in defense, such as Alphonso Davies, could make Madrid even more unstoppable in the months ahead.

Lingering Tensions with PSG
Back in Paris, Mbappé’s comments have not gone unnoticed. Many PSG fans view his remarks as a betrayal, particularly given the lengths the club went to retain him in 2022. However, Mbappé appears unfazed by the backlash. “I’ve always been honest about my feelings,” he said. “I respect PSG and what we achieved together, but my heart was always set on Madrid.”

A Legacy in the Making
As he continues to shine at Real Madrid, Mbappé is carving out a legacy that transcends borders. His story is one of perseverance, ambition, and an unrelenting desire to achieve greatness. For a player who has already accomplished so much at a young age, the sky is the limit.

The French forward’s journey from Paris to Madrid is a testament to his resilience and determination. While 2022 may have been a year he’d rather forget, it set the stage for a brighter future—one where he hopes to achieve his ultimate dreams in the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid.

Mbappé’s remarks may have ruffled feathers in Paris, but for Madridistas, they are a reminder of the passion and drive that make him one of the greatest players of his generation. As he enters 2025, all eyes will be on KM9 to see if he can turn his ambitions into reality and etch his name into Real Madrid’s storied history.