´We cannot replace him´ – Mbappe departs PSG ´filled with joy´

Kylian Mbappe says he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain with his head held high but Luis Enrique does not expect to replace his star forward.

Mbappe announced this month he would leave the French capital at the end of the season after a seven-year stay during which he became their all-time top scorer, with 256 goals.

His last game for Luis Enrique’s side came in Saturday’s Coupe de France final at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with first-half strikes from Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz securing a 2-1 win against Lyon.

“It was both difficult and enjoyable because it’s a final, and in the end, we won. It’s filled with joy,” Mbappe told reporters.

“It’s all good memories, many years, both at PSG and of course in this league. We leave with our heads held high, especially with a trophy, and we only keep the positives.”

Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Asked why he had not announced his next club yet, the 25-year-old said: “Because I think that the best thing to do is to finish these goodbyes.

“I think all I wanted was to finish well with my club. There’s a trophy. I think there’s a time for everything.

“I’ll announce my new club in due course. I think we’re just a few days away, so there’s no problem.”

Behind the scenes of the Coupe de France celebration! #WeArePAR15 pic.twitter.com/YW6vQ1MyHd

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 25, 2024

PSG head coach Luis Enrique says there will be no single replacement for Mbappe, placing the focus on the entire team.

“I have had the good fortune to coach Kylian this season, it has been a difficult one for him after seven years at his club and all that he has achieved, it is difficult to say goodbye,” Enrique told a news conference.

“There is no substitute for Mbappe, we cannot replace him, we will do it through the team and four, five or six signings we can make.

“Kylian’s replacement will be the team that, along with the fans and our ambition, will try to win everything in the following seasons.”