Evra: Mbappe deal is 'better than any signing'

Kylian Mbappe's decision to stay on at Paris Saint-Germain is "better than any signing" for the Ligue 1 champions, according to Patrice Evra.

Mbappe was widely expected to leave PSG as a free agent and sign for Real Madrid but, in a sensational twist, the 23-year-old signed a new three-year contract with the French side.

The striker's mother and agent confirmed on Friday that Mbappe had agreed terms with both clubs and would make a decision over the weekend.

On Saturday, reports in France and Spain suggested Mbappe would remain at PSG and reject Madrid's offer, and the news was confirmed just before Mauricio Pochettino's team took on Metz.

And for ex-Manchester United, Juventus and Marseille defender Evra, that news is wonderful for not only PSG, but French football as a whole.

Evra said: "I'm really surprised because I genuinely thought he was going to Real Madrid.

"But great news, what news for PSG, for France. Even if I played for Marseille, I really want a French team to win the Champions League.

"Now I think they really want to win the Champions League, keeping Kylian Mbappe – what great news, this is amazing. It's better than any signing for PSG."

Evra added: "The project, they're going to focus on a player like Mbappe.

"He's professional, he's hungry, he wants to win the Ballon d'Or, win the league, win the Champions League. What a win for all the French league."

Evra's former team-mate Louis Saha said: "Football is crazy, nobody could predict [this]. It's the only situation in the world to see such a player be a free agent.

"It's amazing. It's up to him to make those decisions. It's what we want, that's for sure. Keep on going, wherever he is playing."

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, was surprised by Mbappe's decision, though is sure the World Cup winner will end up playing in LaLiga eventually.

The ex-Liverpool defender said: "I'm surprised, I thought he would go to Real Madrid.

"It's a big surprise that one, actually. But I'm sure he'll make that move at some stage. Real Madrid or Barcelona or one of the big giants. 

"I'd love to see him in the Premier League I really would, but he looks like he's got a few more years before he moves to Spain."