Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique expressed pride in having Kylian Mbappé on his team and acknowledged his understanding of the decision by the club’s all-time leading scorer to end his seven-year tenure.

Mbappe will join Real Madrid as a free agent at the end of the season following the expiration of his PSG contract.

“All I can say is marvellous things about Kylian Mbappé as a footballer and person,” Enrique told reporters on Saturday.

“I understand his decision. He has been here for seven years and as a club legend. He has given everything to this club, and this club has given him everything as well. I wish him all the best for the future.

“I have been proud to have him in this team. He has helped us and is a leader, and he has done so with a smile on his face.”

But losing Mbappé, who has scored 255 goals for PSG in all competitions and won six Ligue 1 titles with them, will not change things at the club, according to Enrique.

“These are things that we have known for a long time… it was only made public yesterday,” the coach said. “But it doesn’t change anything in terms of our general outlook. Everything will stay the same.

“Regardless of those who are here or who are absent, my aim is to be stronger next season.”