- Luis Enrique selected one PSG player as his standout star of the season
- His decision meant a snub for Kylian Mbappé, who is set to join Real Madrid
- Kane first, Saka second… which player in Gareth Southgate’s squad has the third most goals for England? Listen to the It all starts! Podcast
Luis Enrique has rejected Kylian Mbappe with his choice for PSG player of the season.
Superstar Mbappe is expected to officially seal his move to Real Madrid in the coming days after announcing that this season will be his last at the Parc des Princes.
The forward was once again razor sharp in front of goal, scoring 44 goals and recording 10 assists in all competitions as he led PSG to a domestic treble.
But he was not picked when boss Enrique was asked to name his standout player of the campaign, a decision that may raise eyebrows in Paris.
Instead, talented midfielder Vitinha received the award.
Kylian Mbappé was rejected as player of the season by Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain
Enrique chose to pick Mbappe just days before the attacker’s transfer to Real Madrid
“Vitinha is without a doubt PSG’s player of the season,” said Enrique. ‘If you add up his qualities as a footballer, he is the best at PSG.
“All the players we have are good, but Vitinha is exceptional.”
Vitinha has dazzled for both PSG and the Portuguese national team this season, blossoming in a deeper role after becoming a mainstay under Enrique.
After impressing during PSG’s Champions League quarter-final victory against Barcelona, Vitinha credited his manager as a key reason behind his side’s success.
“Luis Enrique is great,” Vitinha told Canal+. ‘He contributes a lot for us, both tactically and mentally, and I think that’s the most important thing, the way he talks to us, the way he makes us believe that everything is in our favor… It’s incredible.
Vitinha was instead Enrique’s selection after a fantastic season at the base of PSG’s midfield
Mbappe bowed out at PSG by winning a domestic treble and will soon announce his next move
‘He is a great coach, he deserves a lot of credit for this qualification.’
Mbappe has teased his impending move to Madrid. After PSG defeated Lyon in the French Cup final, he revealed his next move will be announced in ‘a few days’.
“All I wanted was to finish well,” he said. ‘There is a time for everything. I will announce my new club in due course. It’s only a few days away.’
During his last match at PSG after seven seasons, he emphasized his emotions, adding: ‘Nostalgia, emotion. It was cool. I always understood where I was, this unique experience of playing for PSG. If I play for PSG I would recommend it.
‘I was lucky enough to experience it. I wouldn’t experience what I had anywhere else. Now I’m going to experience something different.
“I’m sure that will be magical too.”