Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has revealed why he chose Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool after his breakthrough season with Monaco in 2017.

Mbappé, who was just 18 at the time, attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs following an impressive 2016-17 campaign. Liverpool were among the clubs keen to sign the young French forward, alongside PSG.

Speaking to The Athletic on Tuesday, Mbappé revealed that his mother, Fayza Lamari, strongly preferred a move to Liverpool and was a big admirer of then-manager Jürgen Klopp.

“I was playing for Monaco at the time. I had to make a decision. Yes, Liverpool was very tempting. My mother was a huge fan of Jürgen Klopp, and Liverpool was her favourite destination. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé said.

He explained that despite his mother’s preference, he wanted to remain in France and play for the club in his hometown.

“I wasn’t listening to her because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before becoming someone of significance,” he said.

Mbappé recalled how his mother continued to encourage him to consider Liverpool after visiting Anfield and experiencing the atmosphere at the stadium.

“My mother went to Anfield and fell in love with it. She attended some matches on her own, to enjoy the atmosphere, because she wanted to imagine me on that pitch,” he added.

Mbappé also revealed that he travelled to Liverpool for initial negotiations, where he met Klopp and learned more about the club’s plans for him.

“Jürgen Klopp was an exceptional coach. I met him and I had an excellent relationship with him. I held him in great respect,” he said.

The Frenchman recalled a conversation with Klopp aboard a private plane, where the Liverpool manager outlined his plans.

“I remember we were aboard the plane, flying through the air while he was explaining his project to me. I told him: there’s no need to convince me. You are Jürgen Klopp, and this is Liverpool, a big club, so of course, my being here stems from my interest. But I have other matters, other projects, no less important,” Mbappé said.

After weeks of negotiations, Mbappé ultimately decided to remain in France and join PSG.

“We never stopped talking. I would ask her: what do you think, mum? And she would tell me: for me, you should go to Liverpool. I would answer: OK, OK, OK,” he recalled.

Mbappé said his final decision was influenced by his desire to succeed in his hometown and establish himself in Paris before eventually leaving France years later for Real Madrid.

“It’s a funny story. But in the end, I decided to go to Paris Saint-Germain, because for me, as someone born and raised in Paris, there was no greater feeling than proving my ability to become a star in my hometown,” he said.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has revealed why he chose Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool after his breakthrough season with Monaco in 2017.

Mbappé, who was just 18 at the time, attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs following an impressive 2016-17 campaign. Liverpool were among the clubs keen to sign the young French forward, alongside PSG.

Speaking to The Athletic on Tuesday, Mbappé revealed that his mother, Fayza Lamari, strongly preferred a move to Liverpool and was a big admirer of then-manager Jürgen Klopp.

“I was playing for Monaco at the time. I had to make a decision. Yes, Liverpool was very tempting. My mother was a huge fan of Jürgen Klopp, and Liverpool was her favourite destination. She wanted me to go there,” Mbappé said.

He explained that despite his mother’s preference, he wanted to remain in France and play for the club in his hometown.

“I wasn’t listening to her because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before becoming someone of significance,” he said.

Mbappé recalled how his mother continued to encourage him to consider Liverpool after visiting Anfield and experiencing the atmosphere at the stadium.

“My mother went to Anfield and fell in love with it. She attended some matches on her own, to enjoy the atmosphere, because she wanted to imagine me on that pitch,” he added.

Mbappé also revealed that he travelled to Liverpool for initial negotiations, where he met Klopp and learned more about the club’s plans for him.

“Jürgen Klopp was an exceptional coach. I met him and I had an excellent relationship with him. I held him in great respect,” he said.

The Frenchman recalled a conversation with Klopp aboard a private plane, where the Liverpool manager outlined his plans.

“I remember we were aboard the plane, flying through the air while he was explaining his project to me. I told him: there’s no need to convince me. You are Jürgen Klopp, and this is Liverpool, a big club, so of course, my being here stems from my interest. But I have other matters, other projects, no less important,” Mbappé said.

After weeks of negotiations, Mbappé ultimately decided to remain in France and join PSG.

“We never stopped talking. I would ask her: what do you think, mum? And she would tell me: for me, you should go to Liverpool. I would answer: OK, OK, OK,” he recalled.

Mbappé said his final decision was influenced by his desire to succeed in his hometown and establish himself in Paris before eventually leaving France years later for Real Madrid.

“It’s a funny story. But in the end, I decided to go to Paris Saint-Germain, because for me, as someone born and raised in Paris, there was no greater feeling than proving my ability to become a star in my hometown,” he said.