Presnel Kimpembe (30 years old), on the sidelines of the release of his book La Force, tomber et se Relève, was on the microphone of RMC Sport this Wednesday evening. The former Paris Saint-Germain defender, where he was developed before playing professionally from 2014 to 2025 (before leaving for Qatar SC), opened up about signing his professional contract.
Kimpembe: “I didn’t want to get into negotiations.”
“I just wanted to sign a professional contract; I wasn’t focused on making money. I suffered all these years for this. I’m not going to turn it down now that I’m being offered something. I could have earned more, but I didn’t want to go up against the club.
I didn’t want to get into negotiations; I didn’t want to get into something endless. I said ‘no’ to my parents and my agents. They offered me this, and I signed this.
Was it over 10,000? No. Do I make 1,000 times that amount when I extend my contract? Maybe times that amount.” “2000 even.”
It’s wonderful to see such clear determination to sign that coveted contract with his boyhood club. Especially since we’ve become accustomed to seeing drawn-out negotiations, with pressure from family and friends and other clubs. There have been some regrettable departures in recent years (like Tanguy Kouassi). And the players haven’t necessarily benefited from the sporting side of things, even if there have been some successes (Joane Gadou, for example).
In any case, Kimpembe was far from these hesitations or the desire to secure the best possible contract. He was determined to grow at PSG and establish himself there. Which he did, experiencing some fantastic moments. Even if there were also difficulties, of course. Including the end of his time there, cut short by injuries. The defender can remain proud and satisfied with his choice. Not to mention that it also led him to the French national team.
