Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappe has stated that he wants the Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr to stay with PSG amidst widespread reports which suggest that Neymar would be moving out of the French club before the transfer window shuts this summer.
“I want Neymar to stay with us. I have talked with him within a relation based on sincerity and respect. I respect and admire him and that’s why he knows what I think about the situation,” Mbappe said on Friday during a press conference held in Shenzhen where PSG will play against Stade Rennais FC on Saturday.
Neymar will miss Saturday’s game since he is yet to serve a one-match ban which he had received last season. Mbappe, who went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup for France, also discussed reports that are stating that Edinson Cavani may also leave PSG.
The French International said he wanted to play “with great players and Cavani is one of them”.
PSG have been on a tour to China as part of their pre-season friendly matches where they lost to Inter Milan and then went to win against Sydney FC 3-0 in the final friendly match in China.
“I want to thank everyone here in China for the welcome we have received. We have had a great time. But now, it’s the pitch that counts. Our objective is to concentrate entirely on tomorrow’s match,” Mbappe said.
Before the China tour, PSG thrashed Dynamo Dresden 6-1 and then were held to a 1-1 draw by Nurnberg.
“Perhaps this is the first time I’ve had a full preseason,” Mbappe said. “I’ve done more this season than in the past. I am happy to be here and looking to give my best at every training session. We want to play well tomorrow make a great start to the season and keep going and return to Paris with the trophy”.
PSG will start their Ligue 1 season on August 11 versus Nimes.