.png?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "Staying connected in lesser-known European travel spots – UK Times")
Kylian Mbappe left the supercars in his £2million collection at home in favour of driving a modest £35,000 Mini as he was spotted out in Paris on Thursday.
The Real Madrid star, 27, has reportedly returned to the French city to get a second opinion on the knee injury that could keep him out of the club’s Champions League tie with Manchester City.
Mbappe, who earns £12.8m per year, was seen driving a Mini Cooper S convertible around Paris without a learner’s permit after recently passing his test.
He is believed to have cars including a £400,000 Ferrari SF90 and a £140,000 BMW i7 in his collection but opted for the Mini while in Paris.
Spanish media reported Mbappe has used his spell on the sidelines to obtain his driver’s licence, which he said was not a priority back in 2023.
‘It’s one of the downsides of being successful early, I missed simple things like having a driver’s licence,’ he said.
Kylian Mbappe was spotted driving a modest £30k Mini during a trip back to Paris
The Real Madrid forward has returned to the city for a second opinion on his knee injury
‘I think everyone has one. For many people a licence is an obligation, but it wasn’t for me.
‘Although it is synonymous with independence, I had my independence early on because I had drivers at my disposal. It has never been a priority.’
Mbappe was pictured outside Le Royal Monceau hotel during his stay in Paris with the forward facing a race against time to be fit to play any part in the Champions League last-16 clash with City.
It has been suggested he could be back in time for the second leg at the Etihad on March 17.
But reports in France claim Mbappe could in fact be ruled out for months in what would be a huge blow to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
The club have not confirmed a timeframe for his return.
‘Yes, I speak to him every day,’ said Arbeloa. ‘We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing. It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day.’
