Kylian Mbappe has 'very good friends' at PSG but Warren Zaire-Emery dismisses talks with former team-mate ahead of Club World Cup clash with Real Madrid

Ahead of PSG’s Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid, midfielder Zaire-Emery said he has not spoken to Mbappe ahead of their semi-final clash in the United States. However, he says the former PSG star still has good relations with some of the members of the current squad under Luis Enrique.

Mbappe left PSG under some acrimony as he refused to trigger an option to extend his contract in his final year, allowing him to leave in a free transfer to Madrid. The World Cup winner faced a rough final months at the club, with Luis Enrique dropping him from the squad on occasion. He can expect a hostile reception from PSG supporters when he faces them for the first time since his departure, but Zaire-Emery says there is still some love for the 26-year-old within the squad.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN

Stream now

Zaire-Emery said at a press conference: “Talks with him? No, not necessarily. But when I was in the French team with him, we talked. He has some very good friends here. I spent my first two seasons with him, and tomorrow I think everyone will be defending their own colours."

Although Zaire-Emery started against Botafogo, he is not expected to start against Madrid on Wednesday. However, the head coach might use him from the bench, just as he has done for most of the tournament.