On Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain's captain, Marquinhos (29), expressed his desire for the club to resolve the disagreement with Kylian Mbappe (24) and eagerly anticipate the return of the French superstar to the squad for the upcoming season.

As a result of the ongoing contract dispute, Mbappe was excluded from the French champions' pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, with a squad of 29 players.

"He is an exceptional player but it is a decision that was taken over our heads, by the management," Marquinhos told reporters in the Japanese city of Osaka.

He admitted it was a "delicate" subject.

"Even in Japan you are here with your questions," he complained, although new coach Luis Enrique, sitting alongside the Brazilian, escaped without being asked about Mbappe.

"We always want to have top players with us and I hope a decision will be taken to allow him to be with us and help us this season," Marquinhos added.

Our Parisians with supporters in Osaka ❤️💙🇯🇵 #PSGJapanTour2023 pic.twitter.com/7vpAW8L9HI— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 23, 2023

Mbappe has said he will not extend his existing deal with the Qatar-owned club, which expires next year, and PSG therefore decided not to take him on the trip east.

He has said he wants to remain in Paris for one more year, but PSG say they would prefer to sell him in this transfer window rather than seeing him depart as a free agent in 2024.