The departure of Kylian Mbappé has been met with mixed reactions from Paris Saint-Germain fans. While some showed their appreciation for the player with applause and chants, others resorted to booing as his name was announced in the lineups before Sunday’s game against Toulouse. Despite this, coach Luis Enrique claimed he did not hear any negativity towards Mbappé, emphasizing the support and joy he felt from the fans.
As Mbappé took to the pitch for his last game at the Parcs des Princes, PSG’s ultra supporters displayed a massive banner with a giant image of the star player along with a message celebrating his journey from a “Child from the Parisian suburbs” to a “legend of PSG.” Luis Enrique expressed his admiration for the heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Mbappé’s impact on the club despite his young age. He wished Mbappé the best in his future endeavors and recognized him as a true legend of Paris Saint-Germain.
In his last appearance for PSG, Mbappé played the full 90 minutes and scored his 27th league goal of the season. Despite the opportunity to substitute him and allow for a standing ovation, Luis Enrique opted to keep Mbappé on the field to avoid unnecessary media scrutiny. The decision not to substitute Mbappé reflects the coach’s desire to prioritize the player’s performance over sentimental gestures.
In addition to Mbappé, veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas also bid farewell to PSG fans ahead of his last game at the Parcs des Princes. Despite expressing his gratitude for his time at the club on Instagram, Navas was left on the bench by Luis Enrique, with Arnau Tenas starting in goal instead. The coach justified his decision by stating that he had not received confirmation that it was Navas’ final game, and he made choices based on the team’s best interests.
Despite not playing in his last game at the Parc des Princes, Navas received an ovation from the PSG crowd during the league title celebrations. His contributions to the team were acknowledged by fans, highlighting the impact he had during his time at the club. Navas’ farewell message on social media captured the sentiment of gratitude and respect towards PSG and its supporters.
Overall, the departures of Mbappé and Navas mark the end of an era for Paris Saint-Germain. The contrasting reactions from fans towards both players reflect the emotional complexity of bidding farewell to beloved legends. While Mbappé’s departure signals a new chapter for the club and his potential move to Real Madrid, Navas leaves with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for his time at PSG. As the team prepares for the future, the legacies of Mbappé and Navas will remain ingrained in the history of Paris Saint-Germain.