Mbappe reveals how he rejected Arsenal before joining PSG

The 19-year-old took home the inaugural Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris on Monday night as well as coming fourth in the general ranking.

The teenager joined PSG on an initial loan deal back in the summer of 2017, with the move turning into a £163m permanent deal the following year.

Since then Mbappe has continued his development, plundering 35 goals in 59 games for the Parisian giants as he established himself as the most exciting young player on the planet.

Speaking to 'France Football', Mbappe revealed his admiration for former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, insisting that he acted gentlemanly even when Mbappe decided he preferred a move to the Parc des Princes over a move to the Emirates.

"I have not seen many people in this world being viewed in such a unanimous way," he enthused.

"When the entirety of Europe gets on its knees in front of him to celebrate him, that certainly means something. 

"A little while ago, before I signed for PSG, we were in contact in 2017. I chose a different direction but he wasn't annoyed at me."

With former manager Unai Emery now in charge of the 'Gunners', Mbappe revealed that he remains in touch with the Spaniard.

"I have a lot of respect for this man even if he did not succeed in Paris. He won titles before and I hope he wins them again after," Mbappe insisted.

"I sent him a congratulatory message when he signed for Arsenal, and now I am following from afar."

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