In his first press conference at Real Madrid yesterday, Kylian Mbappe shared his honor of playing for the greatest team in history and his desire to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kylian Mbappe in his first press conference at Real Madrid

After seven seasons with PSG , Kylian Mbappe was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. The 25-year-old forward appeared before the press at 2:30 p.m. for his first press conference with his new club. Relaxed and cheerful, Mbappé confidently answered questions, mostly in Spanish, much to the surprise of local reporters.

Reporter: When exactly did you decide to join Real Madrid?

Mbappe: Since I was a kid. It was a dream and then it became a goal. Now, thank God, the day has come and I want to enjoy this moment to the fullest.

What were your goals for your first season? What happened that kept you from joining Real Madrid two years ago?

I come here with humility because this is the biggest club in the world. You have to respect the values ​​of the club. The first priority is to integrate into the club, I hope everything goes well and then everything will be easier. I am aware of the greatness of this club. Two years ago I could have signed but that is part of the life of a player. There are things that prevent you from joining the club at certain times. Now I am completely free to enjoy this moment.

Mbappe debuted in front of 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu stadium

Which position do you feel most comfortable playing? Left or right?

I will play wherever the coach (Carlo Ancelotti) wants me to. In Paris I played three positions, in Monaco the same. The position I will play, that is just a small detail. The most important thing is to be in good physical condition to help the team. I met with the coach, the coaching staff, the players this morning and we did not talk about that.

What is your first memory as a Real Madrid fan?

Probably Zidane because he is French. I watched all Real Madrid games when Zidane was there, then when they had Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a privilege to be able to do a press conference as a Real Madrid player. And like I said, I am enjoying every minute of today because it is a day I will never forget.

Zidane shakes hands to congratulate Mbappe on his Real Madrid debut

It was a long journey to get to Real Madrid, were you ever worried that this dream might not come true?

I was sure that this moment would come, Real Madrid was my only option. If I left PSG it would only be for Real Madrid.

Who was the Real Madrid teammate who insisted you join the club?

The French (Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni) who are here all want me to come. Vinicius also sent me a lot of messages. But I didn’t need that encouragement from the other players to be sure that I wanted to join Real Madrid.

Mbappe in the arms of Real Madrid fans

What would you change about the way you prepare physically to get back to the best version of yourself?

This morning I had a lot of discussions with Pintus (Real Madrid’s fitness coach) and his staff to prepare an effective treatment. It will be a long season so we need special preparation to keep up. I will be ready to support everyone to be able to prepare in the best way and win many titles.

After what happened in 2022, there was a lot of criticism from fans. How did you hear and take it?

It’s part of the football world, relationships with fans can be up and down, that’s normal. I’ve just signed for Real Madrid but the response from the fans is incredible. I want to thank the club and the fans for supporting me from day one. Now I have to show that I can repay that trust.

Mbappe k.i.s.s.e.s the logo on Real Madrid shirt

Will he have to undergo surgery on his nose? Will he be able to play in the European Super Cup (August 14 against Atalanta)?

I have spoken to the medical staff at the club, we will see what can be done. I am in contact with the medical staff, I am listening to what is recommended for me and I will continue playing when I can. I hope to play in the European Super Cup. The final decision is up to the manager but I will start playing from the first game.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have spoken about the weight of the Real Madrid shirt.

When I put on this shirt, yes, I feel the weight of the history of the club on my shoulders. Of course it is a responsibility but I see it more as a privilege. I have had the opportunity to play for big clubs before, like Monaco, a great training club, PSG, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and now I am at the biggest club in the world.

Mbappe visited the club’s traditional room with president Florentino Perez

What does Cristiano Ronaldo mean to you?

He is a good friend who has given me a lot of advice. He always advises me on how to work, how to connect with the game, connect with the passion for playing football.

You are missing two trophies: the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or. Do you think you are getting closer to these trophies while at Real Madrid?

I believe there is no better place to win titles than Real Madrid. The key to success is integration. I will do my best to adapt to the team. That is my number one priority.

Why do you speak Spanish so well?

I started learning Spanish in middle school and high school. I didn’t speak it very well. I tried to learn Spanish because I had a dream of playing for Real Madrid. I still have a lot to learn. But there is nothing better than being completely immersed in the language. I don’t mind speaking and making mistakes, that’s how I learned a foreign language.

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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)