Leonardo counters Pérez statement on Mbappé: "Lack of respect that we won't tolerate"

The conflict between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid over Kylian Mbappé has gone to the next round. The 22-year-old said on Tuesday that he wanted to join Los Blancos during the summer transfer window. But the transfer fell through. "We will have Mbappé news in January," Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said to El Debate. "I hope that we have everything sorted by January 1." Pérez then somewhat changed his tone shortly after, but the damage was done.  

"My words were taken out of context," the 74-year-old said a few hours later to RMC. "What I said was that I have to wait until the new year to make an announcement. That is always with due respect towards PSG to whom we have an excellent relationship." But PSG sporting director Leonardo sees no respectful relationship with Real. 

"Those statements are a continuation that shows a lack of respect towards PSG and Kylian," the Brazilian said to L'Équipe. "In the same week, one player from Real Madrid (Karim Benzema), then Real Madrid's coach (Carlo Ancelotti), and now the president of Real Madrid speak about Kylian like he is one of them. Florentino Pérez already spoke about Kylian to Madrid's fans this week. I repeat: that is a lack of respect that we won't tolerate." 

PSG-boss Leonardo: Real Madrid cannot continue "behavior" towards Mbappé

Even Pérez's clarification has not calmed down Leonardo. "This has been going on for two years," Leonardo said. "I just want to remind them that the transfer window is closed and that the season is ongoing. We have games now, and Real Madrid can't continue their behavior. Let it be. Kylian is a PSG player, and the club wants to continue that relationship."

Real Madrid attempted to sign Mbappé with just one week left in the window. "Of course, they did it," Mbappé said, confirming Real Madrid's offer. "Real made an offer. ... I am under contract here in Paris, and if I had left the club last summer, then only for Real." According to various rumors, Real Madrid offered €170-200 million. But Leonardo has denied that Real made such a significant offer. Mbappé, in the meantime, told media that he had told PSG some time ago that he wanted to leave the club—his contract will expire next summer.