Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique claims he did not hear any boos from the fans directed at Kylian Mbappé during his last game at the Parcs des Princes. Despite being the club’s all-time leading scorer, Mbappé recently announced his departure from the Ligue 1 champions after seven successful years. The boos and whistles were audible as his name was announced in the lineups before Sunday’s match against Toulouse. However, Luis Enrique insisted that he only heard support, applause, and joy from the fans, which he believes was a deserved tribute to Mbappé.
As Mbappé took to the field for warm-up before the game, PSG’s ultra supporters unfurled a massive banner featuring a giant image of Mbappé adorned with the message: “Child from the Parisian suburbs, you became a legend of PSG.” Luis Enrique expressed his admiration for the tribute, calling it fantastic and heartfelt. He praised Mbappé for his achievements and contributions to the club, recognizing him as a legend despite his young age. The coach wished Mbappé success in his future endeavors, hinting at a possible move to Real Madrid as a free agent in the upcoming summer.
Mbappé played the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s match against Toulouse and managed to score his 27th league goal of the season. When questioned about why he did not substitute Mbappé to allow for a standing ovation, Luis Enrique explained that he opted to keep the player on the field to avoid unnecessary controversy from the press. He justified his decision by stating that previous substitutions had caused unwarranted attention, leading him to let Mbappé play the entire game without interruption.
Despite veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas posting a farewell message to PSG fans on Instagram before his last game at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique chose not to play him against Toulouse. Navas, whose contract with PSG expires in June, expressed gratitude for his time at the club and acknowledged the honor of defending the PSG badge in the iconic stadium. However, Luis Enrique defended his decision to leave Navas on the bench and start Arnau Tenas in goal, citing the lack of official confirmation regarding Navas’ departure as the reason behind his choice.
During the league title celebrations after the game, Keylor Navas received an ovation from the PSG crowd, symbolizing their appreciation for his contributions to the team. Despite not playing in his supposed farewell match, Navas was recognized for his loyalty and dedication to PSG throughout his tenure. Luis Enrique’s decision to prioritize the team’s best interests in terms of lineup selection highlighted the challenges of managing a squad during times of transition and change. As PSG bids farewell to two of its key players, the club looks towards the future with optimism and gratitude for the legends who have graced the Parc des Princes.
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