Kylian Mbappe reportedly lost 700,000 Instagram followers after turning down Real Madrid and staying at Paris Saint-Germain.
With his previous PSG deal expiring in the summer, the 23-year-old was ready to join Real as a free agent.
A substantial late-season offer convinced Mbappe to commit his future to the Ligue 1 giants and sign a three-year contract.
Also read: Kylian Mbappe snubs Real Madrid deal, to continue at Paris Saint-Germain
It’s a decision that has been highly received in Paris, but there are a few dissenters in Madrid.
According to El Chiringuito, Mbappe’s follower count fell from 71.6 million to 70.9 million on Saturday after his contract renewal was revealed.
Mbappe is the platform’s fourth most-followed player, trailing PSG teammates Neymar and Lionel Messi as well as Manchester United talisman Paul Pogba.
Also read: Here’s why La Liga wants to sue PSG over ‘scandalous’ Kylian Mbappe deal
Speaking to local media on Monday, he said, “Everybody knows I wanted to leave last year, and I was convinced that would be the best decision at that time.”
“The years pass but they are different and the context is different now. That goes for sporting terms and also, personally, I was free to make a decision, and I know how important that is in France,” the striker continued.
“It is the country where I have grown up. I have always lived here, and leaving my country wasn’t the right thing. There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country. The sporting project has changed as well. That made me want to stay because I don’t think my story is over yet,” he added.
Also read: Here is what Mbappe reportedly told Real Madrid boss Perez on deal snub
Real Madrid have been frustrated by their decision to base the majority of their recent transfer transaction on Mbappe’s arrival.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also chimed in, comparing PSG and chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi to the European Super League.
Mbappe scored a hat-trick as PSG defeated Metz 5-0 in their season finale on Saturday.