Mbappe did not back down on his comments when asked about them in the mixed zone a few minutes later. "For me, it was the moment to say it... When I say something, I think about it," he said, reiterating his desire to have more "responsibilities".

"If it's at PSG, it's good, if it's elsewhere, it will be elsewhere for a new challenge." Mbappe has been regularly linked with a potential move to Real Madrid since breaking through with Monaco's 2017 Ligue 1 title-winning team, but instead made the switch to PSG, initially on loan, and then for 180 million euros.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

But since Zinedine Zidane's return to the Real dug-out earlier this year, rumours about Mbappe joining his fellow Frenchman at the Santiago Bernabeu have intensified. This term, Mbappe has stepped up another gear with teammate Neymar - the only player to be sold for more money than him in history - out injured for much of the campaign.

Mbappe has followed in Neymar's footsteps by winning the player of the season accolade in France, although he needs to score five in the last league game of the season against Reims next weekend to snatch the European Golden Shoe from Lionel Messi.

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates