Kylian Mbappe: ‘My Mum Wanted Me to Join Liverpool After Anfield Visit’

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Kylian Mbappe's mother wanted her son to move to Liverpool after falling in love with Anfield.

Kylian Mbappe has played at some of the most historic stadiums in football and his mum has often been in attendance to watch her son star for club and country.

The Real Madrid forward showcased his world-class ability during this past summer's World Cup, wowing fans at AT&T Stadium and MetLife Stadium. He has been a talisman at the Estadio Bernabeu since making the move from the Parc des Princes in July 2024.

Players can become synonymous with stadiums once they achieve legendary status at a club. Take for example, Sir Bobby Charlton, whose success at Manchester United earned him a stand in his name at Old Trafford.

Mbappe has visited several English stadiums during his career and the Champions League offers Premier League fans the chance to see the Frenchman. That's been the case for Liverpool fans as he's played in front of the Kop on three occasions, including during last season's league phase.

It's proven to be a daunting trip for Mbappe given he's suffered defeat every time he's played on Merseyside. He could have been playing for the Reds when leaving Monaco back in 2017.

Mbappe said in an interview with The Athletic that he was 'close to Liverpool' and that his mother was a 'big fan of Jurgen Klopp'. He also revealed his mum's admiration for Anfield:

> "The favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there. I didn't listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn't want to leave my country before I was someone. But yes, my mum was always saying 'Liverpool -- you're going to be there, playing at Anfield, it's going to be insane for you.' I was like, 'OK!'"

Mbappe delved into his mother, Fayza Lamari's visit to the Merseyside club: "She went there [for] the first step of the negotiations. She went to the city, she went to the stadium, she met the people. She was like, 'It's a wonderful club, everybody's so kind, it's a family club, a big club.'"

He added: "She went to Anfield and fell in love with it. She watched a few games alone, to feel the atmosphere, because she wanted to imagine me in this stadium."

Anfield is regarded as one of the most appealing stadiums in world football, not least because of its atmosphere. The 61,276 capacity home ground of the most successful club in England, has hosted some of the most magical moments in European football, including Liverpool's comeback win over Barcelona.

While Mbappe's mother is clearly a fan of Anfield, the Madrid star believes another English club's fanbase create one of the best atmospheres in football. He spoke glowingly of Newcastle United's St James' Park.

Mbappe recalled visiting Tyneside while playing for PSG in the Champions League and highlighted the Toon Army's influence in a shock 4-1 defeat. He said (via Football Ground Guide): "Newcastle. When we went with Paris. I think it was the first time they came back to the Champions League in 20 years. It was insane."

St James' Park has recently started to get recognition from the world's best as Newcastle have managed to qualify for Europe's elite club competition. The night Mbappe referenced is regarded as one of the most memorable for Geordies who watched Eddie Howe's Magpies dominate the Parisians.

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