Audio By Carbonatix
France striker Kylian Mbappe says he will leave Paris St-Germain at the end of the season.
Mbappe, 25, announced the decision in a video released on his social media accounts.
"I’ve always said that I would speak with you when the time comes," Mbappe said.
"It's my last year at Paris St-Germain. I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks."
Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he will leave PSG at the end of the season.
Real Madrid next? #JoySports
pic.twitter.com/Y2kZS7vKjh— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 10, 2024
Mbappe's contract with PSG expires in June and BBC Sport reported in February that he has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid in the summer.
The World Cup winner is PSG's record goalscorer with 255 goals and will play his final home game at the Parc des Princes against Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday at 20:00 BST.
After that PSG have away fixtures at Nice (15 May) and Metz (19 May) before the French Cup final against Lyon at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
Paris-born Mbappe, who joined PSG from Monaco for ÂŁ165.7m in August 2017, added: "It's a lot of emotions, many years where I had the chance and the great honour to be a member of the biggest French club, one of the best in the world.
"It allowed me to arrive here, to have my first experience in a club with a lot of pressure, to grow as a player of course, by being alongside some of the best in history, some of the greatest champions.
"It's hard and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that. But I think I needed this, a new challenge, after seven years."
How have we got here?
Mbappe was set to leave PSG on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season but ultimately signed a two-year contract extension, with the option of a further year.
However, after Mbappe told PSG he would not agree to the additional 12 months of the deal, he was not selected for their pre-season tour to Japan last July.
He subsequently refused to meet with representatives of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who made a world record ÂŁ259m offer for him.
He later returned to first-team training following what PSG said were "very constructive and positive" talks.
Mbappe met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on 13 February, 2024 and told him he was leaving and joining Real.
It was anticipated Mbappe would make an announcement over his future when it was no longer possible for PSG to meet Real in this season's Champions League.
PSG suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals earlier this week as Mbappe struggled to make an impact in both legs of the tie.
Mbappe acknowledged in his video message he was "not the most demonstrative player" and "hasn't always lived up to the love" PSG fans gave him.
"PSG is a club that never leaves anyone indifferent. We can love it or hate it and I made the choice of loving it and I did for seven years," Mbappe said.
"I do not regret, at any moment, signing with this prestigious club. It is a club I will keep in my memory my entire life."
How will Mbappe fit in at Real?
BBC Sport understands Mbappe is set to sign a five-year deal with Real.
He is set to earn ÂŁ12.8m (15m euros) a season, plus a ÂŁ128m (150m euros) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years.
He will keep a percentage of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti, who guided the La Liga club to this season's Champions League final at Wembleu, has already thought how he will use Mbappe in his team.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham playing a deeper role, Brazilian Vinicius Jr playing on the left and Mbappe playing left of centre.
If Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leaves this summer, then Mbappe would inherit the number 10 shirt he wears for France.
Mbappe said the PSG he is set to leave behind is in "great hands".
"Despite everything that can happen on the outside, there are some real club lovers who want to protect it and make it shine and it’s great," he added.
"I won’t be a player any more but I will watch every game. I tried to give the best version of myself during those seven years."
Latest Stories
-
Ghana launches initiative to cut maternal deaths by 20% annually
9 minutes -
Examination malpractice is rising, not declining – EduWatch
33 minutes -
Credit Unions encouraged to use technology to improve service
34 minutes -
GBA President calls for reasonable, proportionate bail conditions
39 minutes -
NAGRAT calls for end to political influence on WAEC results
42 minutes -
GBA to announce position on Tribunals Law soon – GBA President
42 minutes -
WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup: Joe Nana Adarkwa eyes title defence with Black Maidens
44 minutes -
GFA opens disciplinary case against GoldStars CEO Kwasi Adu
44 minutes -
Education Ministry welcomes Catholic Bishops’ call for CSSPS review
47 minutes -
2026 Women’s Super Cup set for September 23 to September 29 in Prampram
55 minutes -
Rennes register Ghana defender Alidu Seidu for Europa League amid Nice interest
1 hour -
Deliberate VAT evasion will attract penalties — GRA
1 hour -
If the Ghana Premier League is financially weak and structurally fragile, Africa will expose its weaknesses
1 hour -
Accra-Kumasi Expressway: 48 Engineer Regiment can deliver if well resourced – Political Lecturer
1 hour -
Businesses above GH¢750,000 turnover must register for VAT – GRA
2 hours