Mbappe pens emotional letter to angry Monaco fans

Paris (AFP) – Rising star Kylian Mbappe tried to explain his big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco on Monday after receiving fierce criticism from hardcore Monaco fans.

The 18-year-old joined PSG on a season-long loan with an option to buy that would make him the second most expensive player of all-time for a fee that could reach 180 million euros ($214 million).

Before the move, Monaco’s ‘Ultras’ had lambasted Mbappe for his behaviour and his wage demands that were leaked to the French press.

“I know that a few of you don’t understand my choice and that you’re angry and I understand that,” Mbappe wrote in an emotional statement on Twitter.

The French international was booed by his old fans while he sat on the bench during Ligue 1 champions Monaco’s 6-1 thrashing of Marseille, their last game before Mbappe left for title rivals PSG.

“I also understand some boos when we last (met),” he added.

“Because false information circulated throughout the ‘Mbappe soap opera’. But I haven’t changed, my entourage haven’t changed and our values remain the same; humility, simplicity and respect.

“You can be angry, hate me or boo me but you can never stop me from loving you because the truth is there —  I love you.”