Kylian Mbappé, now officially a Real Madrid player, expressed relief and excitement in a press conference held before France's friendly match against Luxembourg. Fresh from sealing his move from PSG, the star forward shared his sentiments about transitioning to his dream club and reflected on his tumultuous time in Paris. Delighted about his move, Mbappé thanked Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez and all those who supported his monumental transfer.
Reflecting on his upcoming journey with Real Madrid, Mbappé said, "This is the club I have always dreamed of being at. I am very excited about the idea of going to this great club, the best in the world. I feel very humbled by the prospect and would like to thank everyone who has sent me messages and contributed to this operation."
Mbappé also discussed France's participation in the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024, considering it a more challenging tournament than the World Cup. "In my opinion, the Euro is more complicated than a World Cup. It is very, very difficult from the group stage onwards. It's a competition we haven't won for 24 years, but we are preparing diligently," he stated. France will face Austria, Poland, and the Netherlands in the group stage.
Looking back at his final months with PSG, Mbappé recounted the adversities he faced after deciding not to extend his contract. The star was sidelined and reportedly treated harshly by the club leaders, an ordeal he described as nearly ending his career at PSG. He expressed immense gratitude towards coach Luis Enrique and sports director Luis Campos for their support during this rocky period.
"They made me understand that I would not play for PSG. They spoke to me violently. Luis Enrique and Luis Campos saved me. Without them, I would not have stepped onto the playing field again," Mbappé elaborated, emphasizing his relief and gratitude.
Despite the challenges, Mbappé acknowledged his pride in continuing to play despite not extending his contract with PSG. He emphasized that his ambitions for the upcoming season with Real Madrid are higher, stating, "Next year, I will not settle for a year like this."
Addressing the emotional toll of his final year at PSG, Mbappé admitted that while there were moments of unhappiness, he respected the club employees and his teammates. He emphasized the importance of not complaining about his situation, especially given the dire circumstances many people face globally. Mbappé concluded by acknowledging the complexities of his experience and reiterating his commitment to his future with Real Madrid.
- Born on December 20, 1998, in Paris, Kylian Mbappé's career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. His transfer to Real Madrid marks the culmination of years of speculation and anticipation.
- The financial details of the transfer are significant, with Mbappé set to earn 57.5 million Euros per season, and the contract holds an option for more years after June 2029.
- Mbappé’s reflection on the UEFA Euro underscores the competitive nature of European football. Winning the tournament is a significant milestone for any European team, and France's historical successes in 1984 and 2000 add pressure and motivation for the current squad.
- Real Madrid fans eagerly await Mbappé's debut, anticipating that his addition will bolster the team's already impressive lineup and contribute to both domestic and international successes in the coming seasons.
