Kylian Mbappe embraces Santiago Bernabeu capacity crowd in official Real Madrid unveiling - 'Club of my dreams'
By Rhys Jones
Updated 16/07/2024 at 17:18 GMT+1
Kylian Mbappe was finally officially presented as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday morning, where he completed the move to what he called the "club of my dreams." A capacity crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu cheered for Mbappe as he spoke in Spanish alongside club president Florentino Perez, who has long admired and wanted Mbappe in the Spanish capital.
Mbappe ‘fulfilling a childhood dream’ by joining ‘best club in the world’ Real
Video credit: SNTV
Kylian Mbappe was finally unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday morning, completing his childhood dream.
The Frenchman embraced a packed-out Santiago Bernabeu with crystal clear Spanish and his joyful smile as he completed his dream move.
Madrid president Florentino Perez has been an admirer of Mbappe for some time and this summer he finally lured him away from Paris Saint-Germain to join the Champions League and La Liga holders.
Mbappe described himself as "one happy guy," while addressing the Madrid crowd.
The French superstar has had a tough few weeks since announcing his move to the Spanish capital, breaking his nose playing at Euro 2024 and was begrudgingly forced to wear a mask as France underperformed.
Les Bleus crashed out of the competition at the semi-final stage at the hands of eventual winners Spain, in a match in which Mbappe opted not to wear the mask.
The 25-year-old only netted one goal at the Euros, but has chosen to forgo the Olympic Games in order to focus on his new club.
"It’s such an incredible feeling to be here, just incredible. I spent endless nights dreaming about one day playing for Real Madrid, and today I’m one happy guy," Mbappe said with a smile and a pristine white Madrid short adorning his torso.
"I want to thank the president Florentino Perez, for always having great confidence in me. There have been a lot of things going on, but we’ve done it. Thank you very much."
Mbappe's transfer to Los Blancos has long felt inevitable, that PSG were only keeping him warm until Perez could finally entice the player he has long wanted.
When other top strikers like Erling Haaland or Harry Kane became available, Perez maintained tunnel vision for Mbappe only.
"I’d also like to thank all those people who have put in a great effort for me to be able to be here today, who have done so much for me to enjoy this moment," the Frenchman added.
"My family are so happy here, I can see my mum crying. Now I have another dream. That’s a dream of living up to this club’s history. I can promise that I will give it my all for this club and for this badge.
"I’d also like to send a message to all the kids that are here today. I was just like you, I had this dream and today it comes true. I can tell you that if you have the passion, you can achieve your dreams."
With a kiss of the badge, Mbappe called Madrid the "club of my dreams and the biggest club in the history of world football," before passionately shouting "Hala Madrid" in unison with the Bernabeu.
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Perez also addressed the crowd and Mbappe: "This love that you felt for Real Madrid, and you identifying with this club since your childhood, made it possible for you to be here and to overcome those obstacles on the way to your dream."
The new Galactico will not join his new side for their summer tour to the US, but a potential debut will be the UEFA Super Cup clash with Italian side Atalanta in Warsaw, Poland, on August 14, where Mbappe could lift silverware in his first appearance for the club.
He joins an already glittering cast of players, including England's Jude Bellingham and Brazil's Vinicius Junior.
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