Kylian Mbappe press conference LIVE: Real Madrid make French superstar’s “dream” come true
The 25-year-old left PSG and the start of the summer to join up with the La Liga champions
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Kylian Mbappe has been unveiled a new Real Madrid player this morning since completing his free transfer to the Spanish giants after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Madrid president Florentino Perez has long been an admirer of Mbappe, trying for years to tempt him away from Paris in order to join up with the La Liga champions.
Perez will show off the former Monaco star to the club’s supporters at 11am BST on Tuesday with the France international then beginning preparations for the new season. He will meet up with his new teammates and look to settle in at the Bernabeu as Los Blancos seek to defend their La Liga and Champions League crowns.
Real Madrid announced that members can attend the event for free though the online queue for tickets saw more than 100,000 people hoping for access. Since then some passes have appeared on reselling websites ranging from €30 to €200 as fans hope to get a closer look at Mbappe who will wear the No. 9 shirt at Madrid.
Follow along with Kylian Mbappe’s presentation with our live blog below:
Kylian Mbappe’s childhood dream becomes reality with Real Madrid unveiling
Kylian Mbappe hails the “incredible day” as he was formally unveiled as a Real Madrid player for the first time at the Bernabeu Stadium.
After his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired at the end of last month, his arrival had been impending, but he only officially joined the club on 1 July.
Florentino Perez introduced the club’s latest signing, who addressed the crowd in Spanish, in front of his parents.
Kylian Mbappe’s childhood dream becomes reality with Real Madrid unveiling
Kylian Mbappe was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu in front of adoring fans as a Real Madrid player
Kylian Mbappe press conference
That’s the end of Kylian Mbappe’s first press conference as a Real Madrid player.
Kylian Mbappe press conference
What was the exact moment this season when you knew you would join Madrid?
Mbappe: “The exact moment I knew 100 per cent that I was signing for Madrid was today, when I was signing the contract, you saw the images, that was when I knew it was real.”
A reporter tells Mbappe that his unveiling beat the record set for Cristiano Ronaldo’s.
Mbappe: “Today was a day I will never forget, I didn’t expect something like that, it surpassed all my expectations.
“Every time I have been in Spain, all the fans showed me a lot of affection, they would greet me and say a lot of nice things, all I can say is I am very grateful to them and it’s a mutual feeling.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
When the first rumours about you joining Madrid emerged, was that when you started learning Spanish?
Mbappe: “I knew that one day I wanted to play for Real Madrid, and when I knew that, I knew that I needed to know Spanish.
“So I really wanted to learn it, so it helped me a lot to improve, and I had Spanish managers and other teammates so I could really practice Spanish with them, I was never afraid to make mistakes I just wanted to practice with them.
“I know that I still have to improve.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
On not having won the Champions League?
Mbappe: “Of course, this is the best club to achieve something like that at, but the first priority is to adapt to the team, to the group, other teams will arrive naturally.
“Obviously I want to win the CHampions League but right now I am focused on those nearest goals and right now that’s the only thing I’ve got on my mind.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
What does Cristiano Ronaldo mean to you? Have you spoken to him?
Mbappe: “Yes it was a tribute to Ronaldo, he was my idol when I was a kid, we’ve always been in touch, he’s always given me advice.
“He’s always advised me that I should work hard and show my passion for the game.
“I know that it was a tough experience for him at this latest Euros but he’s a huge legend and I’d like to send him a big hug.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
He is asked about the prospect of a nose operation:
Mbappe: “I’ve already answered that question in French, I passed that medical check this morning, we will try to look at that situation, we have yet to make that decision.
“Now these things don’t depend just on me, but I will make sure that I am ready for when the team needs me.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
How did Florentino Perez help you join the club?
Mbappe: “He has always supported me, he has given me a lot of affection, he helped me a lot and it helped a lot knowing the President wants me here.
“I am thrilled to start the next stage of my life, I know that there was a lot of work done, but in the end they made it possible.”
Kylian Mbappe press conference
Mbappe is asked about the long journey it took to becoming a Real Madrid player.
Mbappe: “Not really, I was really sure that this moment would eventually arrive, because Madrid was my only option. i had offers from other clubs but I always said if I leave Paris, it will be for real Madrid.
“I didn’t want to speculate or give hope to other teams.”
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