Micah Richards did his utmost to wind-up Thierry Henry by claiming Kylian Mbappe possesses more aura than the Arsenal legend.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has drawn comparisons with Henry since bursting onto the scene as a teenager with Monaco.
Henry, who trod a similar path at the start of his career, was known for his charismatic persona on and off the pitch whilst being a talismanic figure for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Similarly, Mbappe has proved to be Paris Saint-Germain’s jewel in the crown and Richards waxed lyrical about the 25-year-old whilst aiming a light-hearted dig at Henry.
“Kylian Mbappe…just looking at him, his aura – he reminds me of a young Titi [Henry] he really does but I think he’s got a little bit more,” Richards told CBS Sports.
The claim sparked broadcast colleague Jamie Carragher to stir the pot a little as a calm Henry responded with a smile.
Richards elaborated on his remarks saying: “I meant style not as a player.”
He continued: “I get so excited talking about him because when everyone doubts him, he just delivers. Even I doubted him in one game and he shut me up.
“I just think he’s a joy to watch. He’s so quick, so electric, he can score goals. He is an all-round superstar.”
Mbappe scored his 31st goal of the season on Wednesday night in PSG’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Champions League round-of-16 first-leg.
The World Cup winner fired his side ahead from close range 13-minutes into the second half before Bradley Barcola stretched the home side’s advantage.
PSG take a healthy lead to Spain in three week’s time hoping to end their round-of-16 hoodoo which has seen the Parisians fall at this stage in the previous two seasons.
Richards took the opportunity to aim a light-hearted dig at Henry during Wednesday’s Champions League broadcast[/caption]
Mbappe’s future is still unclear despite reports claiming the star will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Real Madrid appear favourites to land the forward but PSG are not giving up hope of Mbappe extending his adventure with his hometown club.
Both PSG and Real Madrid are keen to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out saga of 2022 when Mbappe waited until the last day of the season to announce a contract extension in the French capital.
Therefore, a decision is expected imminently, leaving Mbappe to decide when the time is right to break the news to both parties.