After Leo Messi's last-16 encounter, PSG faces an even more anticipated reunion. As fate would have it, Real Madrid, led by a certain Kylian Mbappé, stood in the way of the Parisians in this Club World Cup semi-final . This is the first time that the Red and Blue's all-time leading scorer has met his former club since his departure a year ago. What's more, the star is in the midst of a legal dispute, as he is still demanding back pay and bonuses. The figure is reportedly €55 million.
And even though Mbappé withdrew his complaint against X for moral harassment and attempted extortion of a signature , the protagonists of this affair will undoubtedly have this story in mind. This is not the case for the former partners of the striker in Paris. Since the flight of the star to Real Madrid , the Ile-de-France residents have largely freed themselves from his shadow, which is ultimately not so imposing. They became European champions in the first months after his departure, while he is still chasing a first victory in the Champions League.
His former partners are waiting for him with bated breath
This reunion will be particularly scrutinized by observers, and eagerly awaited by the Parisians themselves. "We know the great quality of Kylian , how important he is for Real. He has done a lot for us, it was a pleasure to be able to play with him. I will always wish him the best, except for tomorrow (Wednesday) if we play against him," Fabian Ruiz told the media in the United States, who does not know if his former teammate will be selected. "It does not depend on us. We do not know who will play but we know that whoever it is, it is a great team with quality players."
After suffering from a severe bout of gastroenteritis at the start of the Club World Cup, Mbappé returned to action in the round of 16 against Juventus. Still a substitute in the next round, he took advantage of his introduction against BvB to open up his account. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia isn't worried. There are other talents at Real. "They don't just have one player! They're a very good team, we have to have respect for all their players, we focus on our game ," assures the former Napoli player, who has never played with the 2018 world champion since the two players crossed paths six months apart.
Zaire-Emery on Mbappé: " People aren't going to give him any gifts "
Regardless of the players they face, the Georgian believes the Merengues are always dangerous. "It's a difficult question. Mbappé is one of the best players right now. We don't know ," he continues. " Of course, Real Madrid are a more dangerous team with Mbappé. They have great individual players, but above all, they're a quality team. We're ready to face anyone, no matter who the opponent is." Nevertheless, Mbappé is back with a team he knows inside out, including the playing principles, but also the vast majority of the players.
"He's a very good friend," Warren Zaïre-Emery , who has been close to the Bondy player since his departure, immediately recalls. "We discussed this in the French team. He has very good friends in the squad, but I think that tomorrow, people won't give him any gifts and everyone will defend their own colors." Friendships will have to be forgotten tomorrow evening at the MetLife Stadium because a place in the final is at stake. "What motivates us is to win, to get to the final," Fabian Ruiz insisted on Tuesday. "We'll give our best for that." Mbappé has been warned.
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