Yet again, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe figured prominently in Paris Saint-Germain's stunning victory over Atalanta that pushed the French club to their first Champions League semifinals appearance since 1996. That pivotal match further proved the dynamic duo's importance to the Parisians, who insisted there's no letting go of the club superstars.
Visibly impressed by his side's impressive campaign so far, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is already looking ahead. If the decision is his alone, Al-Khelaifi wants Neymar and Mbappe to continue with the club indefinitely. He sees the two strikers wearing the PSG shirt beyond their existing deals, which run until 2022.
"They're both going to stay, they're never going to leave," Goal reported the executive as saying.
His bold declaration was made as rival clubs continue to hover around and try to lure the two stars away from the French capital. Neymar has been plotting in the last two summers to make his way back to Barcelona, which he left for Paris in 2017.
Mbappe, on the other hand, is the target of recent league winners. Zinedine Zidane, manager of La Liga champions Real Madrid, has identified the World Cup winner as the man to further boost his already formidable roster. And it's the same thing for Jurgen Klopp, who wishes to continue his winning ways in the Premier League with the 21-year-old on his side.
However, Al-Khelaifi appeared ready to fight off any attempts to poach PSG's prized assets, and his confidence in keeping Neymar and Mbappe on the lineup is backed by the deep pockets of the Qatari royal family, who owns the French club.
The executive said PSG's historic entry to the UCL semifinals coincided with the club's 50th founding anniversary, the win all the more made special by the concerted efforts coming from Neymar and Mbappe and the rest of the roster.
Said Al-Khelaifi: "I am really very proud. This is the first time that we have reached the semi-finals since the takeover in 2011."
The focus for PSG now is to get past RB Leipzig for a ticket to the Champions League final showdown. Even before that match, Al-Khelaifi has expressed confidence that his side is moving up in the eyes of doubters and the expectation is now high. The win against Atalanta is proof that PSG can do great things on the pitch and win the major trophies, he added.
Now win or lose in the competition, the long-term goal for PSG is to keep Neymar and Mbappe at Parc des Princes for as long as possible. ESPN said the club will sit down with the players in September for upgrade offers on their already lucrative deals in hopes of seeing the two playing in Champions League matches for their side.
