“I can say what I want” – Zidane hits back at PSG over Mbappe comments

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has hit back at PSG sporting director Leonardo after comments he made about Kylian Mbappe.

Zidane recently highlighted Mbappe’s self-confessed dream of one day donning the white jersey of Los Blancos, to which Leonardo took exception.

What did Leonardo say about Zidane? Five things to know… 

• Mbappe has made no secret of his dream to one day play for Real Madrid.
• Zidane recently shone a light to those comments amid renewed interest from Madrid.
• PSG sporting director Leonardo accused Zidane of trying to “destabilise” Mbappe.
• However, Zidane has since hit back and told reporters he can “say what he wants”.
• Real purchased Luka Jovic for £57.7m in the summer, but the Serb has thus far found playing time scarce, sparking revived rumours regarding Mbappe.

The Brazilian accused Zidane of trying to “destabilise” the French superstar, whose relationship with Parisian boss Thomas Tuchel has been called into question in the past.

Real have been consistently linked with Mbappe since the 20-year-old first burst onto the scene with Monaco, but Zidane’s recent comments about his compatriot have only worked to fan the flames a little further.

Kylian Mbappé has been directly involved in a goal once every 80.5 minutes for club & country:

• 188 games
• 106 goals
• 55 assists

And won the World Cup as a teenager. #Mbappe2020 pic.twitter.com/3z928f1Nyy

— Squawka (@Squawka) October 25, 2019

Despite Leonardo’s outburst, Zidane has continued to engage in a war of words with PSG’s sporting director, and says he won’t be silenced on the matter.

“I’ve said nothing, just what the player said, that his dream was one day to play here,” Zidane told a press conference.

“Everyone does what they want. I’ll not say anything else. I simply said what the player said one day, that his dream would be to wear the Real Madrid jersey.

“I say it again and I would say it every day. I have nothing more to say about Leonardo, I can say whatever I want.”

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

“Yes, it annoys me” – Leonardo 

Zidane’s recent retaliation came after Leonardo confessed to finding the Frenchman’s initial remarks unsettling, believing that now is not the time to “touch” Mbappe.

“Yes, it annoys me a little and it bothers [me],” the ex-Brazil international said.

“This is not the time to talk about this. He still has two-and-a-half years of contract with us. It’s time to stop all this.

“He is very important for us. He is the best young player that France has. He is world champion and even the best player in the world. This is not the time to destabilise or touch him.”