‘Best president in the world’ – Mbappe grateful to Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez

Following his spectacular presentation at Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week, Kylian Mbappe gave his first one-on-one interview as a Real Madrid player today.

Sitting down with Real Madrid’s official media, Mbappe spoke about the journey and ambition that led to a move to Bernabeu, among other things.

Mbappe on joining Real Madrid

“It’s a dream to experience this. A privilege to be part of the Real Madrid family. It’s one of the best days of my life. I’ve had this dream for many years and now it’s true,” Mbappe said on his transfer to Real Madrid.

“I’m a Real Madrid player. I’m very happy and grateful for all the love that the Real Madrid fans give me,” he added.

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was in the making for quite some time. The club were close to signing the forward in the past two summers, but always fell short for one reason or another.

But after finally completing his move to Bernabeu, Mbappe expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, ever since he was a child.

“For many years, since I was a child, I have had this dream of playing for Madrid. Then it became a goal because when I was a professional I always had the goal of getting here,” he said.

“Now I have another dream: to live up to the history of this club, the best in the world. I want to give everything for this shirt and this badge.

“It’s incredible. To come here, into the hall of the best club in the world, is a pleasure and an honour for me. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, the players, and playing,” he added.

Mbappe also reminisced about his visit to Bernabeu 12 years ago, when he was very little. The Frenchman, at the time, even had the chance to meet his sporting idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I remember being a child and having the dream of reaching Madrid. I wasn’t thinking about playing, I was only thinking about watching the players.

“It’s incredible that, a little over 10 years later, I’m here as a player. It was a dream and now it’s a reality. I’m very happy. I was able to meet Zidane and Cristiano, with whom I always speak. It was a pleasure,” he said.

Mbappe On Perez and speaking Spanish

Mbappe went on to heap praise on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who played a key role in orchestrating the move for the Frenchman.

“He is a very important person for me; from the first day, he trusted me and helped me and my family. That goes straight to my heart. I will do everything, on and off the field, to make him happy. For me he is the best president in the world,” he said.

The Frenchman was also asked about his proficiency in speaking Spanish. The player revealed he is not very fluent in the language but vowed to learn it quickly.

“Not exactly. More or less. I knew that one day I was going to play here so I wanted to learn and be ready to adapt to the club and the Spanish culture more quickly. I think it will help me adapt,” he said.

Mbappe’s message to Real Madrid fans

Finally, Kylian Mbappe sent a message to all the Real Madrid fans desperate waiting to see him in action in the weeks to come.

“Hello, Madridistas. I am very happy to be a Real Madrid player. Thank you for all the affection and love that Madrid fans have given me since day one, long before I signed. That goes straight to my heart. I will give my life for this badge and this club. Hala Madrid!”

During his first press conference, Mbappe did hint he could make his professional debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup game against Atalanta next month.

Source: AS