Topics: Kylian Mbappe, PSG, Real Madrid, Ligue 1
Les Parisiens aren't the only ones who want to see the 22-year-old remain at the Parc des Princes,

Kylian Mbappe's contract issue is no longer merely a footballing matter, with the PSG superstar's future entering the political discourse after the French Minister of Sport spoke about the importance of keeping the attacker in Ligue 1.

Roxana Maracineanu, the former swimmer and Olympic silver medalist who is now the Minister delegate in charge of Sports, plead with the 22-year-old on state television to remain at the Parc des Princes. This comes after the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner's Man of the Match performance in Les Parisiens' recent UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, proving once again that he is a generational talent.

"Kylian, stay in France," Maracineanu told France Info. 

"We want to continue watching you play here. We need you, the public needs you, PSG need you and our young people need to have role models and examples to look up to. Please, don't leave us, stay here in France."

Mbappe's current contract runs out in June 2022, meaning the Ligue 1 giants could be forced to sell this summer if they cannot extend his deal. Real Madrid are said to be after the Frenchman, and after his midweek heroics in the Champions League, their interest would have skyrocketed. 

The former Monaco sensation led his team in the first leg of their round of 16 showdown with Barcelona, netting a jaw-dropping hat-trick to give PSG a huge 4-1 advantage. It was Pochettino's side who conceded first, going 1-0 down via a Lionel Messi penalty. However, it didn't take too long for the visitors to respond, with Mbappe scoring the equalizer shortly afterward before adding another two goals in the second half to complete his hat-trick. Surprise, surprise, Kylian set several feats with his three-goal haul at the Camp Nou.

With fellow PSG superstar Neymar committing to the club, and Messi possibly on his way this summer, Mbappe was questioned about his future after that game. However, the 22-year-old remained coy about his plans for next season, saying: 

"My future? It would be stupid to make a decision on that based on just one match.

"This is something to think about in the long term.

"I've always said that I'm happy here and games like tonight make you very happy."

The player's immediate focus is on the league crown. Pochettino's side are gearing up for a crucial clash with Monaco, his former club, this Sunday in a bid to return to the top. The defending champions are currently a point behind both Lyon and Lille but must be aware of their opposition, as Les Monégasques are only five points behind and in contention for a UCL spot.