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A firework-filled son-et-lumière show preceded the presentation of the Ligue 1 trophy to the Paris Saint-Germain players on Saturday night at the Parc des Princes.
The show followed a triptych. First, the announcement that Kylian Mbappé would disdain Real Madrid’s advances and would stay at PSG until 2025.
And then a 5-0 demolition of Metz that highlighted Mbappé’s prowess as he scored a hat-trick to take his league tally to 28 goals to secure the Golden Boot for the third season in a row. He also finished the campaign with the most passes that led to a goal for another player.
The final piece was a tribute to Ángel Di María, who is leaving after seven years of service.
Focus
As he, Neymar and Lionel Messi, some of South America’s best footballers, menaced the pitch, it was the boy from Bondy, outside Paris, who attracted attention after a season in which he kept his advice. about his future.
“I am convinced that I can continue to grow at a club that is giving us all the tools to perform at the highest level,” Mbappe said. “I’m happy to stay in my home country too.”
His decision to remain in the French capital united supporters who have lamented and criticized the club’s strategies since this season’s disastrous exit from the Champions League, the title PSG’s Qatari sponsors crave.
Works
“There have been ups and downs during the season,” said the PSG captain Marquinhos before receiving the league 1 trophy.
“But we have come together and we have won something big. It has been a lot of work from many people, it has been a difficult season”.
The players stayed on the pitch at the Parc des Princes as fans celebrated off the pitch for the club’s record-equaling 10th top-flight title.
The full implications of Mbappe’s decision will unfold during the season finale.
Questions
Will coach Mauricio Pochettino remain in charge for the 2022:/23 season? Will there be a more structured approach to recruiting rather than a push for star names?
You could also hire the lawyers. On Saturday, the organizers of La Liga – Spain’s top flight – said they would file a complaint against PSG with European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, as well as French tax authorities, over Mbappe’s decision.
“This type of agreement puts hundreds of thousands of jobs and sporting integrity at risk in the medium term,” LaLiga said.
Madrid could heal their wounds with victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final in Paris on May 28.
Rethink
“Kylian staying is a huge thing,” added Marquinhos. “But there are still many things to do. We have to look at what was good and what was not so good this season. The Champions League will be one of those sure things.”
The annihilating 5-0 sent Metz to the second division along with Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne will play the relegation play-off against Auxerre.
At the other end of the championship, Marseille will join PSG in next season’s Champions League. Jorge Sampaoli’s men finished second after a 4-0 victory over Strasbourg.
Monaco, who had the second place within their reach, lost it in the last seconds against Lens, who practically equalized with the last shot of the game.
Monaco will play in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. Rennes climbed fourth, the Europa League spot, and Nice, who came from 2-0 down at Reims to win 3-2, finished their campaign in fifth place, the Europa Conference League spot.
Reference-www.rfi.fr