Neymar Asked Me to Join PSG — Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe says that Neymar would not stop sending him text messages to know how his summer move from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain was progressing.

The pair have immediately developed a strong understanding on the pitch, something that was clear to see as PSG swept Rennes aside 4-1 at Roazhon Park on Saturday.

Speaking with France Football, Mbappe — who will turn 19 later this week — reflected on an eventful year that saw him join PSG, enter into the top 10 of the publication’s Ballon d’Or award as the youngest every entrant and then pick up TF1 Telefoot’s prize for being voted the best young French player.

“It is different with Neymar,” Mbappe said. “He immediately took me under his wing. In fact, he waited for me.

“Before I arrived late in the transfer window, he would not stop sending me messages [to ask about the move]. ‘When are you getting here?’ I told him: ‘Wait, I am on my way.’ However, as it took a bit of time, I think he was thinking: ‘He lied, he is not coming.’

“As soon as I finally arrived, he did everything to make me feel at ease. On the pitch, he was looking for me and passing to me often. When a player like him welcomes you like that, obviously it helps you to settle into the dressing room.”

“These are titles that I am aiming for as part of this team,” he said. “Players who do not win something great for their team do not win the Ballon d’Or.”

Mbappe also revealed that although his work ethic is not the best, he is loving every minute of his career so far and is very much in love with his sport.

“People say you have to make sacrifices to have a long career,” he said. “I have never understood that.

“For me, a sacrifice would be having to get up early to go work every day. I do not know if I could do that. I am not a hard worker. I just love football.

“When I go to training, I am always in a good mood. It is a bit like I am aware of the fact that I am living something of a waking dream.”

Mbappe and PSG close 2017 at home to Caen in Ligue 1 before a brief trip to Doha, Qatar, to fulfil sponsorship obligations before finally getting some time off over the Christmas period.

Source: ESPN FC