Kylian Mbappe says he dreamed of playing for Real Madrid after being unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old’s move to Madrid was confirmed in June after he left former club Paris Saint-Germain.
At his unveiling, Mbappe, who will wear the No. 9 shirt for his new side, said that joining the Spanish club was a dream come true and kissed the Real Madrid crest.
Speaking in Spanish in front of a packed-out stadium, Mbappe said: “It’s incredible to be here. I have slept for many years with the dream of playing for Real Madrid and today it comes true. I am a very happy guy.
“I want to first of all thank president Florentino Perez, who has trusted me from day one. Many things have happened, but I want to thank him. I want to thank all the people who have worked for me to be here, it has been difficult but we have won, I am a Real Madrid player. I see my family happy and my mother crying.
“It’s an incredible day for me, incredible. Since I was a kid I had the dream of playing here, to be here now means a lot to me. I want to thank the Madridistas for so much affection for so many years. Now I have another dream, to live up to this club, the best in the world. I will give my life for this club and this crest.
“I feel privileged to be able to say that I am a Real Madrid player. I’ve been waiting for my moment for a long time. You can’t pay for a dream. It’s a great satisfaction but also for my family. There were many stages, and a lot of effort, but I’m happy to be here.
“I come with a mission, values, and enthusiasm and to win for sure. And to adapt to the team, after that things were easier. I want to adapt as quickly as possible.”
When asked about his first game for the club and connecting with teammates Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Mbappe said: “We will talk tomorrow with the medical side of the club and I am waiting for the results. We will do things together. For sure I will play the European Super Cup (against Atalanta on August 14). It’s a title and for me, it’s the first game. I’m looking forward to it.
“Vinicius is a unique player, Real Madrid are unique players. Great players have to be together. I don’t think there will be any problems playing with Vinicius. I’m thinking about adapting as quickly as possible to help Vinicius and Rodrygo.”
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In the summer of 2023, Mbappe was ordered to train away from the first-team squad in an attempt by PSG to force him to either leave for a fee or potentially renew his deal and leave for a fee in the summer of 2024.
The French football players’ union, the UNFP, issued a statement warning PSG about possible legal pitfalls, including under French labour laws. They cautioned that they would be watching the case closely and would take action if they fall foul. PSG, for their part, were completely confident in their legal position and they are within their rights to “loft” a player during the summer transfer window.
However, in May, Mbappe confirmed his decision to leave PSG — where he scored 256 goals — saying he needed “a new challenge after seven years”.
After several years of trying to sign the forward, Madrid finally succeeded in June, with the Frenchman signing a five-year contract.
(David Ramos/Getty Images)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Congratulations on achieving your dream. I know how excited your family is. You were in this stadium when you were 13 years old and we saw how your eyes sparkled when you saw your idols. I know that you will never forget that day in December when Zinedine Zidane invited you to Real Madrid City.
“I want you to know that your love for Real Madrid has given you the strength to break all the barriers to come to this club. Special things happen in this stadium. We Madridistas know why these magical nights happen and it is because with this shirt nobody gives up and with these fans, you will be welcomed until the end. You have achieved your dream because you have never given up. You are here because you wanted to be. Thank you for making efforts that nobody can imagine.
“Your family is with you. Today, your parents Fayza and Wilfried are with you, they know what you had to fight for*. You have a great record, you have been in the FIFA Best XI. You have been named the best player in the French league. You’ve just had your highest-scoring season with 44 goals, top scorer in the Champions League.
“Dear Kylian, I thank you for your unconditional love and passion for Real Madrid. Today you are accompanied by hundreds of children from your charitable foundation that welcomes them with affection and helps them to transmit their values. We share this vocation of solidarity. You, the great players, are the great references and these children will never forget this day. Kylian, welcome to your club, Welcome to Real Madrid.”
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(Diego Souto/Getty Images)
