Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images
After years of pursuit, Real Madrid finally got their man this summer as they signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer after his contract at PSG expired.
It is bound to go down as one of the biggest transfers in modern football and Real Madrid planned a presentation ceremony that would live up to that billing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The French superstar was welcomed to the club by president Florentino Perez, who congratulated the forward on achieving his childhood dream.
Having received a raucous reception from the 80,000+ fans attending the event at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe addressed them, thanking them for the incredible love and affection they showed.
“Good morning everyone. Wow, it’s amazing to be here. I’ve been dreaming of playing for Real Madrid for many years. I’m a very happy guy today. Very happy,” he started.
The 25-year-old attacker then went on to thank Florentino Perez for the confidence he had shown and for making the transfer happen, saying:
“I want to thank president Florentino Perez and all the people who have allowed me to be here.”
Mbappe also conveyed his gratitude to his parents and his entourage as well, as he added:
“To my family, who are very happy. I see my mum, crying…. (pauses and kisses his crest). It’s an incredible, incredible day. Since I was a child I had the dream of playing and it means a lot.”
“I want to thank all the Madridistas. For many years they have given me a lot of love. Thank you,” he added.
Mbappe then vowed to give his everything for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, while also passing on an advice to the youngsters in the audience, urging them to never give up.
“I now hope to live up to this club, the best in the world. I’m going to give my life for this club and this crest. I want to (chant again)… give a message to the children, I see a lot of them,” he said.
“I had a dream and today I am fulfilling it. I have just one piece of advice: with passion you can achieve whatever you want.
“I am very excited, it means a lot to me to be here. I am very happy to be part of the club of my dreams and the biggest club in the history of football.”
Signing off, Mbappe chanted ‘Hala Madrid’ with the entire stadium, saying:
“I don’t want to say more, I don’t want to cry. But first I want to do something with you: 1,2, 3… Hala Madrid!”
Following the presentation and his speech, Mbappe greeted the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu and kicked a few balls into the stands for the supporters.
It was clear that the entire event was an emotional one for the French superstar and his family, as he finally gets to live his lifelong dream of playing for Real Madrid.
