‘Best player in world’ – PSG boss Leonardo makes desperate plea for Kylian Mbappe to stay at club for ‘rest of his life’
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PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have not given up hope of convincing Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe to stay at the Parc des Princes.
Sporting director Leonardo has told French media they regard the striker as the 'best player in the world' and are determined to keep him.
The France striker's move to Real seems to be foregone conclusion with his current PSG deal expiring.
His contract with the Ligue 1 giants means the 22-year-old can negotiatie his summer switch to the LaLiga heavyweights from January 1.
But retired Brazil and AC Milan midfielder Leonardo hopes they can convince the star to remain part of Mauricio Pochettino's star-studded squad.
In an interview with French newspaper Le JDD and radio station Europe1, Leonardo said: "If Mbappe decides to stay, he will stay because it is our wish.
"It is a complicated situation because we would like him to stay his whole life and we have to respect his position.
"I think there are still good opportunities to renew his contract. I believe in that."
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PSG and Real will play each other in the Champions League early next year which means Mbappe will have to face his potential future team-mates before completing his transfer.
And despite the many world-class stars who will feature in that game, Leonardo says Mbappe is the pick of the bunch.
He added: "Mbappe is the best player in the world.
"People will think that we say that because we want to renew his contract, but no.
"It is beyond the interest of the club. At 22, almost 23, Kylian has reached an incredible maturity."
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