Striker Kylian Mbappe is facing fierce criticism from Real Madrid fans for "vacationing" with his girlfriend while the team is struggling in all competitions.
The French striker is becoming the target of anger from Real Madrid fans during a tense period at the Bernabeu.
According to SunSport , more than 4 million Real Madrid fans have signed a petition demanding that the Spanish giants sell Mbappe following a series of off-field controversies.
Real Madrid have had a disappointing season, currently sitting second in La Liga, 11 points behind their arch-rivals Barcelona. They have also been eliminated from the prestigious Champions League.
If Barcelona win the El Clasico this weekend, they will officially be crowned champions, while Real Madrid will almost certainly end their domestic season in disappointment.
Over 4 million Real Madrid fans have signed a petition demanding that the Bernabeu leadership sell Kylian Mbappe immediately. (Image: Shutterstock Editorial)
The French striker went on holiday last weekend to Sardinia, Italy, with his actress girlfriend, Ester Exposito.
Despite being in a critical condition and recovering from a hamstring injury, the 27-year-old striker still went on a romantic getaway to Sardinia, Italy, with his actress girlfriend, Ester Exposito.
This trip immediately made Mbappe a target of criticism from Real Madrid fans. In response to the backlash, Mbappe's team spoke out in defense of the French striker.
"Part of the criticism stems from an overinterpretation of factors related to the recovery process, which was closely monitored by the club," Mbappe's team stated, emphasizing, "This does not reflect the commitment and work Kylian does every day for the benefit of the team."
The incident didn't end there; according to The Athletic , Mbappe was also involved in an incident where he talked back to a member of the coaching staff during a Real Madrid training session.
Several factors combined to lead Real Madrid fans to launch a petition collecting signatures calling for Real Madrid to "sell" Mbappe immediately. To date, more than 4 million Real Madrid fans have signed the petition demanding that the striker born in 1998 leave the Bernabeu.
Mbappe has not yet received any internal disciplinary action, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa himself stated that he does not interfere with what the player does in his free time.