Liverpool's formidable centre-back, Ibrahima Konate, has lifted the lid on a hilarious and surprising phone call from international teammate Kylian Mbappe, in which the Paris Saint-Germain megastar launched a full-scale recruitment pitch for Real Madrid.
Konate, a key figure in Jurgen Klopp's defence, shared the anecdote with a chuckle, revealing the conversation took place just as speculation around Mbappe's own potential move to the Spanish giants was reaching a fever pitch.
The Midnight Recruitment Drive
"Out of the blue, Kylian calls me," Konate explained. "We spoke for nearly two hours, and for a huge chunk of that, he wasn't talking about his own future. Instead, he was meticulously selling me on the project at Real Madrid, doing his absolute best to convince me to join him there."
The timing of the call is particularly ironic, given that Mbappe's own contract saga with PSG was the summer's biggest transfer story. While the forward ultimately remained in Paris, his efforts to bring his French compatriot with him to the Bernabeu were relentless.
Anfield Loyalty vs. Bernabeu Allure
Despite the lengthy and persuasive pitch from one of the world's best players, Konate's allegiance remained firmly with the Reds. The defender is immensely happy at Anfield and is focused on achieving success with Liverpool, even as his current deal enters its final two years.
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of player recruitment, where even the biggest stars act as unofficial ambassadors for their preferred clubs. Mbappe's personal intervention highlights the high regard in which he holds Konate's abilities.
The story adds a delightful new layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding Mbappe's future, suggesting that his mind was already picturing a life in Madrid, complete with his fellow Frenchman by his side.
