New Delhi: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Paris on Thursday, July 13 for two-day visit, where he addressed Indian diaspora. During the interaction with the Indian community he drew attention toward the 24-year-old striker and captain of France team, Kylian Mbappe.
PM Modi praises Kylian Mbappe
During his speech, Modi specially mentioned 2018 World Cup player Mbappe and his growing popularity among the Indian fans.
The prime minister said 24-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is a “superhit” in India and more people across India probably know Mbappe than those in France.
“French football player Kylian Mbappe is a super hit among the youth in India. Mbappe is probably known to more people in India than in France,” PM Modi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
PM Modi was effusive in his praise for Indian football fans' love for French superstar Kylian Mbappe⚽️@narendramodi @KMbappe #Modi #PMModi #Mbappe #France #India #Football #GameOn #AajNEWJDekhaKya pic.twitter.com/QLTcigQnzN
— Game On (@gameonbynewj) July 14, 2023
PM Modi calls diaspora ‘India’s ambassadors
Describing people-to-people connect as a key foundation of the India-France partnership, PM Modi asked the diaspora members to invest in India, noting that global experts are recognising the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination and the country is taking rapid strides in development.
Calling the diaspora India’s ambassadors, he said they should make it a mission to boost tourism in India and asked them to encourage their French friends to visit the country to feel its diversity and history and traditions going back thousands of years.
Speculation over Mbappe’ joining Real Madrid
Kylain Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for 180 million-euro deal, over the years Mbappe established himself as the best player in the World. In 2022 final against Argentina, Mbappe scored a hat-tick. He became the only second player after Geoff Hurst.
There has been rumors that Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid in the next two months. PSG and Real Madrid have agreed a deal worth 250 million euros for Mbappe, which would break Neymar’s transfer record. Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros in August 2017.
There has been speculation that League 1 top scorer, Mbappe will move to Real Madrid. “I think that playing for PSG doesn’t help much because it’s a divisive team, a divisive club,” he said in an interview with France Football magazine. He did not elaborate.
PSG has won last nine title in the last 11 season, but Mbappe’s frustration lies with the performances in the Champions League — a trophy the Parisian club has never won despite all its investment in the squad.
