Kylian Mbappé has been officially unveiled at Real Madrid. The presentation went just as one might have imagined
The club tested the patience of its supporters one last time. Kylian Mbappé’s introduction had been scheduled for 12 noon and the Frenchman finally took to the pitch at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu at 12:46. But what is 46 minutes compared to nine years ago? Back then, there were the first reports that the Whites were interested in the then 17-year-old Monaco striker.
This was followed by countless rumors, refusals and discordant tones – and now finally the performance in the packed arena. In his number 9 kit, the Frenchman walked across a blue carpet onto a podium on which – as a small indication of the expectations – the 15 trophies he had won in the Champions League and the European Cup were lined up. “Good afternoon to everyone,” were his first words, which he said in Spanish to shouts of “Kylian, Kylian” from the stands. “I’ve dreamed of playing for Real Madrid for many years and today that dream is coming true,” he continued. “Today I am a very happy man. “
After the usual thanks to Perez and his family, who were also present, he said – also in Spanish: “I’m proud to fulfill my dream and play for the best club in the history of soccer. I’m not going to go on now, otherwise I’ll cry.” Instead, he concluded his remarks with his arms outstretched and a “Three, two, one … Hala Madrid!”. He then shot balls into the audience, handed some out to children in the front row and kissed the Real crest for the photographers.
Beforehand, Real had pressed all the buttons on the dramaturgy keyboard, with a video of the Whites’ previous Champions League titles, accompanied by the opera classic “Nessun Dorma”, followed by a clip about the new signing, which showed him in Real kit as a child and together with Real legends Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappé had already signed his five-year contract inside the stadium in the presence of Real president Florentino Perez.
“I want you to know that your love for Real Madrid has given you the strength to overcome all the obstacles to get to this club,” Perez said pompously during Mbappé’s introduction. “You are here because you wanted to be. Dear Kylian, thank you for making this effort that many people can’t even imagine. Thank you for your unconditional love for Real Madrid.”
Mbappé is also forgoing the Olympic Games in his own country for the Whites. Although he had repeatedly emphasized that he would like to represent France at the Games in Paris, Real had put a stop to that. However, these rather unpleasant topics were – of course – not discussed on Tuesday
