'No oversized egos!' - PSG 'turned a page' after Kylian Mbappe's exit as Luis Enrique credited for Ligue 1 champions' 'remarkable' transformation

The France World Cup winner gave his thoughts on Paris Saint-Germain while speaking with William Hill Vegas. The former Arsenal and Chelsea star commended Luis Enrique for creating a side that "plays for each other, not for the headlines".

He added: "The true star is the team."

Since Mbappe's departure for Real Madrid last summer, PSG have "turned a page", according to Petit, who admitted he now roots for the club's success after years of indifference towards the star-studded project. Les Parisiens have enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season without their galacticos. PSG are gunning for an undefeated Ligue 1 season, having already wrapped up the title, and are still hunting down an elusive first Champions League triumph.

Petit said: "In past seasons, the Paris Saint-Germain project revolved around individual stars, not the collective. The focus was on big names — players who at times seemed bigger than the club itself. Kylian Mbappe was the last of those icons — and arguably the biggest of them all. With his departure, PSG has turned a page. Today, there are no oversized egos, no global megastars dominating the spotlight. The true star is the team — and at the heart of it all is Luis Enrique. He’s done something remarkable. At first, it was hard to grasp what he was building. But now, it’s clear: he’s created a side that plays for each other, not for the headlines."

He continued: "Modern football has evolved, and this version of Paris Saint-Germain is proof of that evolution. There are top players, yes — but no divas. No distractions. Just football. I’ll be honest: I was never a PSG supporter. I didn’t connect with the project they pushed for years — buying the best players in every position, hoping money would win titles. History has shown us that money helps, but it doesn't guarantee success. Egos often got in the way, both in the dressing room and on the pitch. But now, watching PSG is a joy. I find myself almost becoming a fan — something I never thought I’d say. I used to feel indifferent whether they won or lost in Ligue 1. Now, I actually want them to win because they give me pride. They give me pleasure."

Luis Enrique's young charges will hope to build on their impressive 3-1 win at home to Aston Villa when they travel to England for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Villa Park isn't an easy place to go, but having knocked out Liverpool at Anfield already in this season's competition, PSG will fear no one in their pursuit of European glory.