Real Madrid was long expected to land Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from PSG when his contract expired in June. Talks of Mbappe making a coveted move to the Spanish capital had been floating around for more than a full year, and all indications suggested it was virtually a done deal. When push came to shove, however, Mbappe shocked the football world by re-upping with PSG on a massive new deal. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez now revealed what went wrong in Madrid's negotiations with Mbappe and exactly how the deal fell apart. Via Fabrizio Romano, Perez explained that he understands Mbappe's decision to stay at PSG.

“It was not easy for Mbappe to receive calls from the president of France to tell you not to leave the club [PSG],” said Perez. “Then to go to Qatar and they offer things that drive you crazy, probably things out of proportion. This is why Kylian has changed [his mind].”

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Considering the nature of Mbappe's mega-deal with PSG, Perez admitted he's hardly surprised that his deal with Real Madrid fell through. Mbappe will reportedly make as much as €50 million per season under the new terms of his deal, and will also retain 100% of his image rights. He will also be named PSG captain and was guaranteed an improved squad for the 2022-23 season in hopes of competing for a Champions League trophy.

Mbappe will remain at PSG for at least the next three years, at which point his new contract will expire. Real Madrid could potentially launch another bid to bring him to the club at that point, though it's difficult to imagine PSG would be any more willing to let the star striker leave in 2025.

Last season at PSG, Mbappe appeared in 46 matches across all competitions, scoring 39 goals and provided 22 assists, serving as the team's most important player.