Kylian Mbappe says Paris Saint-Germain are the team Real Madrid must beat in the Champions League

Kylian Mbappe has identified Paris Saint-Germain as the main obstacle facing Real Madrid and the other contenders in the Champions League.

The France forward was asked by French newspaper L’Equipe about Paris Saint-Germain winning the competition twice since his departure, while Real Madrid have not lifted the trophy since signing him.

“I explain it by saying that 2 + 2 equals 4,” Mbappe said, suggesting the outcome was clear and straightforward. “They won, and we cannot take anything away from that. I congratulate them. They built their victories and managed to win a second title in a row, which is exceptional.”

Mbappe said Paris Saint-Germain’s recent success had made them the side all of Europe would be seeking to overcome.

“Paris is the team to beat,” he said. “We, Real Madrid and all the other teams, enter the competition with the aim of knocking out the team that has won twice.

“We reached the semi-finals with Luis Enrique in my last two years. It was simply a new cycle for them.”

Mbappe also discussed his role as captain of France and how the responsibility had changed his approach to international football.

“It allowed me to develop as an individual within a group,” he said. “With the national team, I was always the person the others looked towards. As captain, you are the one who has to look towards the others.

“It requires a lot of energy, but it also gives me a great deal of pleasure. I try to do it as well as possible.”

The 26-year-old was also asked about Zinedine Zidane, one of the most celebrated figures in French football.

“Zidane is Zidane,” Mbappe said. “He means a lot to the French people. He is the legend, the national Zizou. He represents elegance and greatness.

“He made history with the national team as a player and has produced so many iconic moments. He may be the player who best represents the France team.

“He is one of those players who have crossed generations, and he made an indelible mark on the history of French football.”

Asked whether he had spoken to Zidane, Mbappe replied: “No. We will have all the time in the world to talk.”