Kylian Mbappé spent much of the summer at war with PSG and made his first appearance of the season at the Parc des Princes this Saturday in Ligue 1 against Lens.
The French star returned to the squad last weekend against Toulouse, bringing a new dimension to Luis Enrique’s side by coming off the bench and playing a starring role in the 1-1 draw of the Francilians.
But after coming into public conflict with the Ligue 1 champions since refusing to extend his contract in July, there were some doubts about what PSG supporters might think of the 24-year-old as he did his return to competition in the capital for the first time this season.
The Bondynois was generously welcomed by the PSG public, known to be demanding, having notably spent part of last season criticizing Lionel Messi, who was perceived as not giving his all to the game for the club.
Indeed, when his name was read as being in the starting XI, he received a generous ovation from the home fans.
Given the ferocity of the rumors linking Mbappé to Real Madrid – a transfer rumor that refuses to go away even though Carlo Ancelotti keeps denying it – he still has the full backing of Paris fans.
Dembele and Luis Enrique warmly welcomed
PSG opted to present all of their summer recruits to the public, even though it was their second home game of the season, following a 0-0 draw against Lorient.
Thus, Ousmane Dembele, Manuel Ugarte, Marco Asensio, Milan Skriniar, Arnau Tenas and Gonçalo Ramos were all introduced to the home fans, who all welcomed them generously.
A particularly warm ovation was given to Dembele, but also to new manager Luis Enrique, who has yet to register his first win as PSG coach after two matches. Nevertheless, fans have been won over by the style of play he is trying to establish.
