Mbappé stays at PSG and confirmed it 0:22
(CNN) --
Kylian Mbappe says playing soccer became his "refuge" as he grappled with a "tough decision" about whether to sign a contract extension with Paris St-Germain or join Real Madrid.
The French striker had long been linked with the Spanish giants, but it was announced on Saturday that Mbappé had signed a three-year contract extension to stay in the French capital until 2025.
Mbappé talks about Real Madrid and his decision to sign with PSG
And the 23-year-old admitted the choice to remain at PSG was not one he made lightly.
"It was a difficult decision," he told a news conference in Paris.
"Football was my refuge."
He added: "I knew there was going to be a time to talk about this, and I wanted to take my time to make the right decision, to make my decision. I didn't have a problem with the pressure because I've lived with it since I was 14 years old."
Mbappé poses holding a shirt during a press conference.
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Mbappé's decision, or indecision, about his future had been much discussed in the last 12 months.
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The 2018 World Cup winner's contract was due to expire this summer, and being a Real Madrid fan himself, his link to the club was pretty obvious.
Even at Monday's press conference, Mbappé admitted that he had been interested in signing with the Spanish giant.
Mbappé's decision: A snub for Real Madrid?
2:11
"Everyone knows that I wanted to leave last year, and I was convinced that it would be the best decision at that time."
But, according to Mbappe, things have changed since then and he finally made the decision last week to stay in France.
"The years go by but they are different, and the context is different now. That goes in sporting terms, and also, personally," he said.
"I had the freedom to make a decision and I know how important it is here in France."
"It is the country where I have grown up. I have always lived here, and leaving my country was not the right thing to do. There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country. The sports project has also changed. That has made me want to stay here, because I think that my story is not over yet. Both collectively and individually. I think there are many more wonderful chapters to write here."
Mbappé during a press conference.
Mbappé's decision to remain in Paris follows another stellar season for the young superstar.
His team, PSG, was proclaimed champion of Ligue 1, and he was proclaimed the league's top scorer and top assister.
In fact, on the day of the announcement of his contract extension, Mbappé scored three goals in PSG's 5-0 win over Metz.
However, in the absence of European trophies, doubts remain as to whether this new, large contract will increase Mbappé's participation in the project or if he was promised to become captain.
However, the 23-year-old denied these rumours.
"Regarding the project here, you don't need a special responsibility to get involved in the project. In a club there is always a captain and here we have him, so I'm not looking to relieve Marquinhos. He plays a fundamental role in the dressing room and he deserves the captain's armband. It's not a priority for me."
"I don't need to be the captain to give my point of view and set an example on the pitch."
Mbappé celebrates a goal that was later disallowed against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“I know you are disappointed”
The news of Mbappé's new contract at PSG was met with great anger by Real fans, something he acknowledged.
"I know they are disappointed, I hope they understand my decision," he said.
"They have always accepted me and I have worn that shirt since I was 14 years old. I have to thank them."
Shortly after Mbappe's new contract was announced, the Spanish La Liga released a statement saying it would file a complaint about the deal for PSG's "breach of UEFA financial fair play".
Mbappé reveals details of his extension with PSG 1:04
"La Liga wants to state that this type of agreement threatens the economic stability of European football, putting at risk hundreds of thousands of jobs and the integrity of the sport, not only in European competitions, but also in national leagues," he said.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi responded to these comments on Monday.
"Maybe it's good that Ligue 1 is doing better than La Liga," Al-Khelaïfi said.
"La Liga is not what it was three or four years ago. I have respect for all the clubs, but we also need respect."
"We have the best player in the world. That's what matters to us. As far as what other people say, that's not a problem. I'm not paying attention to that."
Kylian Mbappe