Mbappe more motivated than ever, says Paris Saint-Germain captain Silva

Kylian Mbappe has become more driven in pursuit of success since joining Paris Saint-Germain two years ago, according to club captain Thiago Silva.

France forward Mbappe is in his third season with the Ligue 1 champions, for whom he scored 39 times in all competitions last term.

The 20-year-old’s goals spearheaded PSG’s charge to a second successive league title and more responsibility has been thrust in his direction due to Neymar’s omission from matchday calculations amid ongoing transfer rumours.

Mbappe is set to miss around a month with a hamstring injury suffered in the weekend win over Toulouse, but experienced defender Silva has seen enough to know the World Cup winner can bounce back and resume his role as a burgeoning leader.

“It’s a pity, this hamstring injury, but that’s football,” Silva told RMC Sport.

“I’m sure he’ll come back stronger.

“He hasn’t changed much, for me he’s still the same player, although this year I see a little difference in his intensity in training, his desire to win the game, to score goals.

“He is more motivated, he has progressed a lot in his mind, he is very professional and a hard worker.”

Match number  for @KMbappe
000004EF
in Ligue 1! #PSGTFC pic.twitter.com/huvTcp7FrR

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 25, 2019

Unlike former Monaco striker Mbappe, who is contracted until 2022, skipper Silva has under 12 months left to run on his PSG deal.

The Brazil international previously outlined a plan to leave the club as a free agent in 2020 but now wants to end his career in the French capital.

“I want to finish here but it’s going to depend on this season,” the 34-year-old said.

“We’re going to start talking about it soon, that’s normal.

“I don’t want to think about it now – I’m only focused on my work, on the team. If we do a good job this season, things will come naturally.

“I’m prepared to stay, if the club wants it of course.”