SUMMARY
- Kylian Mbappe's PSG will face FC Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals.
- Mbappe has issued a stern warning to FC Barcelona ahead of their clash.
The 2023-24 Champions League quarterfinals is knocking on the door, and Kylian Mbappe remains as motivated as ever. In what could potentially be his final season at PSG before reportedly joining Real Madrid, Mbappe would definitely like to leave the club on a high. However, ahead of PSG’s trip to FC Barcelona, the French star has issued a stern warning to the Spanish club.
Despite several attempts, PSG has yet to win the first Champions League title in their history. Even after signing the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Sergio Ramos, PSG to date have been unsuccessful in Europe’s premier club competition. However, with Kylian Mbappe looking in blistering form this season, perhaps this could finally be PSG’s year.
🚨🎙️ Kylian Mbappé before the game against Barça:
“Every year, this period is a turning point in the season. At the end of April, we will have an indication of the type of season we are likely to have. I am sure that we will give everything after the result. it’s in God’s hands”… pic.twitter.com/3zDYYZbG99
— KMZ (@KM10Zone) April 7, 2024
Speaking ahead of the quarterfinal tie, Kylian Mbappe has assured his fans that he will spare no quarters. Mbappe said, “It’s time for the big players. I’m ready, and as usual I’m not going to hide.” The Frenchman will be hoping to replicate his performance from the last time he faced the Catalan giants. Back in 2021, PSG ran riot against FC Barcelona in the round of 16.
Mbappe scored a hat trick in the first leg at Camp Nou, and his solitary goal in the return leg was enough to hand PSG an emphatic 5-2 victory. Heading into the quarterfinals, PSG defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on aggregate. On the other hand, FC Barcelona defeated the defending Serie A champions Napoli with a 4-2 aggregate score and progressed to the quarterfinals after a four-year gap.
Ex-FC Barcelona director reveals how the club refused to sign Kylian Mbappe
Meanwhile, former FC Barcelona director Javier Bordas has made a stunning revelation ahead of FC Barcelona’s Champions League clash against PSG. Bordas recently sat down for an interview with the Spanish TV program “El Chiringuito” and revealed how FC Barcelona narrowly missed out on signing Mbappe a few years ago.
Bordas disclosed that after PSG had signed Neymar Jr. for a world-record fee of $263 million, he had pushed for Kylian Mbappe’s signing. However, the Spanish club decided against signing the 2018 World Cup winner and instead signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund. If Bordas’ statements stand to be true, it appears as if FC Barcelona has committed a massive blunder.
Mbappe, who’s one of the best players in the world right now, is currently valued at $195 million. Moreover, all rumors suggest Mbappe will join Real Madrid at the end of this season. With its ongoing economic crisis, it would be a herculean task for FC Barcelona to even think of signing Mbappe. Nevertheless, the fans don’t have to wait for long to see whether Barcelona gets punished for their bad decision as they take on PSG in a few days.
Kylian Mbappe’s record in the Champions League so far
With Champions League action just around the corner, let’s take a look at Kylian Mbappe’s record so far in the Champions League. At just 25, Mbappe has managed to surpass several records in the Champions League. Mbappe has made 69 appearances in the competition so far and has 46 goals and 26 assists to his name.
🚨📊 NEW RECORD! Kylian Mbappé becomes the first player to score at least one goal in 10 consecutive home starts in the history of the Champions League.✨ pic.twitter.com/i8xznb7TlG
— MC (@MbappeCentral) February 15, 2024
He has scored more Champions League goals than the likes of Neymar Jr., Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah, and Antoine Griezmann. He’s also the first player to score at least one goal in 10 consecutive home starts and was the previous record-holder for the fastest to reach 30 and 40 goals in the competition. Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo (140) and Lionel Messi (129) continue to rule the charts despite leaving European soccer last year.