Kylian Mbappe has revealed why he turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool during his breakthrough years at Monaco, despite being “close” to making the move.
The Real Madrid superstar was one of Europe’s most highly rated young talents when Liverpool explored the possibility of signing him. According to Mbappe, his mother was particularly keen on a move to Anfield and even travelled to Liverpool to take part in the early stages of negotiations.
However, Mbappe ultimately decided against the transfer.
Speaking to The Athletic, the France international explained that his desire to remain in his hometown of Paris played a major role in his decision.
“It was while I was playing in Monaco. I had to take a decision. And yes, I was close to Liverpool,” Mbappe said.
“My mum was a big fan of Jurgen Klopp and the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there.
“I didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone.”
Mbappe also revealed that his mother visited Liverpool, saw Anfield and met people at the club before returning impressed by what she experienced.
“She was like, ‘It’s a wonderful club, everybody’s so kind, it’s a family club, a big club.’”
The forward also recalled meeting Jurgen Klopp and hearing the Liverpool manager explain his plans for the youngster.
Mbappe admitted that Klopp and Liverpool did not need to do much convincing, but he ultimately felt that joining Paris Saint-Germain was the right decision for him at that stage of his career.
“I said to him, ‘You don’t need to convince me. You’re Jurgen Klopp, it’s Liverpool, a great club, so of course if I’m here, I have some interest. But I have other things, other projects, that are also good.’”
In the end, Mbappe chose PSG, where he went on to become one of the biggest stars in world football.
The Frenchman spent seven seasons in Paris, scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances and winning six Ligue 1 titles before eventually joining Real Madrid.
Liverpool were reportedly not the only Premier League club interested in Mbappe at the time, with Arsenal also making an attempt to sign the young Frenchman.
For Liverpool supporters, the story remains one of football’s biggest “what ifs.” Had Mbappe listened to his mother and chosen Anfield, the history of both Liverpool and the player himself could have looked very different.
