Kylian Mbappe fires back after online petition urges Real Madrid star to leave club

Spanish media and Madrid supporters have questioned the forward's dedication to the team after he reportedly travelled to Italy with actor and partner Ester Exposito last weekend. 

The 27-year-old’s getaway has been under particular scrutiny given its timing, coming before Sunday’s Clasico with Barcelona in which the Catalan side could clinch their second La Liga title on the spin if they avoid defeat.

But Mbappe’s representatives have issued a statement defending the Frenchman and denying any wrongdoing.

"Part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team," the statement read.

Sections of the Madrid fanbase believe Mbappe is looking to keep himself fresh before France’s World Cup campaign this summer.

An online petition calling for the star to be sold has been circulating on social media. 

”If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club,” it reads.

The images of Mbappe's trip to Sardinia were posted to social media last weekend before Madrid’s away game at Espanyol, which they won 2-0.

Speaking after the match, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa said: ”Each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time” and that it was ”none of my business".

The criticism of Mbappe comes despite his prolific campaign, bagging 41 goals in all competitions and currently leading the scoring charts in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. 

However, Madrid are on course for just their fifth trophyless season since the turn of the century, with a collapse from Barcelona in La Liga their only remaining hope.

It would also mark a second successive campaign in which Los Blancos have failed to win one of the three main tournaments they compete in.

They have fallen short in La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey since Mbappe's high-profile move to the Bernabeu from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup their only pieces of major silverware in that time. 

Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that Mbappe was involved in a training-ground dispute with a member of the club’s coaching staff on April 24, contributing to the souring mood around the Frenchman.

The row started after the coach flagged Mbappe offside in a training game, according to the publication.

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