Kylian Mbappe acknowledges PSG's success, maintains no regret over Real Madrid move

PSG delivered a dominant performance to defeat Inter Milan 5-0 in the final last weekend, claiming Europe's top club prize after previously falling short in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, said he was pleased to see PSG succeed.

"I was happy, they deserved it," the 26-year-old said. "They've been through so many problems, I've been through that too. I've experienced every stage of the Champions League except winning it."

"They were the best team in Europe. I can't remember ever seeing them go 5-0 up. It's 100 percent deserved - they're becoming the team everyone wants to beat."

Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer after a seven-year spell in Paris where he became the club's all-time top scorer. His exit was marred by legal disputes, with the French international taking PSG to court over 55 million euros in unpaid wages.

Despite scoring 43 goals in his debut season with Madrid, Mbappe ended the campaign without a major trophy. The Spanish giants finished runners-up to Barcelona in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey and were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal.

Still, the France captain insisted there were no regrets over his decision to leave.

"PSG won the Champions League without me, that doesn't affect me. That's a good thing. I think we all face challenges in our careers," he said.

"Did I leave too soon? No, my story was over, it had to end. There was no bitterness. I'd reached the end of my tether."

Mbappe said he is comfortable being under scrutiny and remains motivated to push forward. "I'm a bit more in the eye of the storm, which is good. I've always liked being in these positions. It's up to me to work."

He also backed his former PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d'Or, favoring him over Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

"Would I vote for Dembele? Yes. Is there really any need to explain? I'm going for Dembele. It's very clear," Mbappe said.

Dembele played a central role in PSG's treble-winning season, scoring 33 goals and registering 15 assists across all competitions.