Kylian Mbappe responds to claims he left PSG for Real Madrid 'too soon' - after his former club won the Champions League without him

Kylian Mbappe's departure from PSG may influence punters to reconsider their bets on Real Madrid for future Champions League success, as PSG's recent triumph without him suggests they could thrive even without key talents.

France captain Kylian Mbappe faced questions about Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph when he addressed the media on the eve of Sunday's UEFA Nations League third-place playoff against Germany.

Mbappe left PSG to join Real Madrid last summer, ending his seven-year stay in Paris. He netted 256 goals in 308 games for PSG, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. He also helped deliver 15 trophies to the Parc des Princes, but was unable to achieve European success.

Part of the motivation behind his move to Madrid was the belief it would improve his chances of winning the Champions League — with Real having conquered Europe a record 15 times. However, Mbappe's first shot at Euro glory with Los Blancos ended in a 5-1 quarter-final defeat by Arsenal. PSG then beat Arsenal in the semis, before thrashing Inter Milan in last weekend's final in Munich.

Kylian Mbappe was asked about Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League without him. He responded: 'I didn't leave too soon; my story with PSG was over. I am not bitter; I had reached the end of the road. I tried everything, and it was destiny that meant it had to happen without me. PSG winning the Champions League without me doesn't affect me. I was happy. I think they deserved it.'

Mbappe was on the scoresheet on Thursday night when France fell to a thrilling 5-4 defeat by Spain in their Nations League semi-final. Spain will now face Portugal in Sunday's final after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co overcame hosts Germany 2-1 on Wednesday. The final will take place at Munich's Allianz Arena — which also staged PSG's win over Inter last weekend — after the game for third place is played in Stuttgart.

Mbappe faced questions about Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph when he addressed the media on the eve of Sunday's UEFA Nations League third-place playoff against Germany.

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