📣 The best from Mbappé's first press conference as a Real Madrid player | OneFootball

After being unveiled on the Bernabéu pitch as Real Madrid’s latest Galáctico, Kylian Mbappé has said he was ” always sure” he would play for the club in a follow-up press conference.

The French captain had long been mooted for a move to the 15-time European Cup champions, with him pulling out at the last minute from signing in 2022, but he has now finally made the move.

This is everything I have ever wanted. I want people to realise what this means to me, being here, after what I went through… I will remember this day forever.”

Addressing criticism from Madrid fans two years ago, Mbappé said: “This is a part of football. But the truth is the love madridistas show me is unbelievable. I’m a nobody here today and they showed me a lot of love, unbelievable.”

The 25-year-old also said he had much encouragement from both his international colleagues, namely Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, as well as now-teammate Vinícius Júnior.

“Vinicius messaged me a lot, asking me to come and that we would play together in attack. He is a unique player, I’m very happy to play with him, but also Rodrygo and all the others. I won’t have problems playing with him. He had a perfect season, it’s me who has to adapt to them to win.”

Adding to this, Mbappé said “There is no better place to win titles than Real Madrid but now the key is to adapt to the team as fast as possible. Of course my goal is to win all the titles.”

That includes the Ballon d’Or, which has eluded the former PSG man to date, and he noted three former winners and club legends in his opening words.

“First memories of Real Madrid? Zidane, then Cristiano who was my idol and I watched all the games. I gave a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo (uno, dos, tres.. Hala Madrid).”

Like Ronaldo in 2009, Mbappé will first wear the no. 9 shirt for Los Blancos, with Luka Modrić occupying the no. 10 he wears with France, but that appears to be no issue.

“Modrić has the #10, I’m happy just to be close to him in the locker room, because #9 is close to the #10.”

With Mbappé set for an extended break following EURO 2024, it is unclear when he will make his debut in the famous white shirt, but he did confirm he will play in the European Super Cup against Atalanta in Warsaw on August 14th.