Kylian Mbappe on rejecting Real Madrid - My decision based on PSG's 'sporting project,' not money

Kylian Mbappe said Paris Saint-Germain's «sporting project» rather than financial considerations convinced him to snub Real Madrid and sign a three-year contract extension with the French champions.

The forward, speaking at a news conference on Monday alongside PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, also denied that his desire to exert a greater influence off the field had been a part of discussions, and left the door open to a possible departure in 2025.

— Inside story: Why Mbappe turned down Madrid for PSG stay — Numbers that make Mbappe one of the world's best — O'Hanlon: What Mbappe's decision means for PSG, Real Madrid — Marcotti: Mbappe soap opera is over for now, but questions remain

PSG announced Saturday — ahead of their last game of the season against Metz at the Parc des Princes — that Mbappe would be signing a new deal, bringing an end to one of the most high-profile transfer sagas of recent years.

«Everybody knows I wanted to leave last year. But things are different now, in sporting terms and personally,» Mbappe said. «Leaving my country wasn't the right thing. There's a sentimental aspect to this, and the sporting project has changed as well.… We spoke for months about the sporting project, and we spoke about money for just a few minutes.»

On Saturday, sources told ESPN that the 23-year-old had personally contacted Madrid president Florentino Perez to reveal his U-turn after days of uncertainty around his future.

«I made my decision last week,» Mbappe said. «I spoke to Florentino Perez. I have a lot of respect for him and for Real Madrid. They did everything to bring me there and make me happy, so I thank them for that.»

Mbappe has been a long-term Madrid target, coming close to joining the club several times,