The day of the presentation of Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid became memorable both for the player himself and for the team's fans, reported sportal.bg .
The French striker showed himself in the white shirt for the first time in front of the supporters of the European club champion. This happened in front of 85,000 spectators at the packed Santiago Bernabeu, who witnessed a great ceremony to welcome the superstar. The spectacle, the interest and the behavior of the 25-year-old player reminded of the presentation at this same stadium of the club legend Cristiano Ronaldo in July 2009. Sportal.bg tried to cover all the more interesting events surrounding Mbappe on his first day in Madrid.
16:10 The striker on whether he feared that he would not move to Real Madrid: "Did I fear that I would never move to Real Madrid? No, no, I was sure my time would come. For me, Real Madrid was the only option. I had many offers from other clubs, but I always said the same thing, which is that when I leave PSG, it will only be for Real Madrid. Thanks for everything, I know I'm a good football player that everyone cares about. But I've had no desire to keep them guessing as to whether I'll go to them. Everything was clear in my head: only Real Madrid. It was my dream, so I had decided that Real Madrid would be my next team. You never know in football though. Many things can happen, but in this regard I was clear: Real Madrid will be my next club and today I am very happy about it.
16:05 The Frenchman on his memories of Real Madrid and his dream come true: "I have a lot of memories of Madridistas. As a Frenchman, the first thing that comes to mind is Zidane. He is a very important person in France, where we followed his every match at Real Madrid. I also think of my idol Cristiano, as I used to watch him every game. In general, I have always watched the team's matches, but now it will not be possible because I will have to play in them. It is a pleasure that as a child I had a dream to play in my favorite team and here I am now after presenting to all these Madridistas. Being a player of my favorite team is a privilege. As I have said several times, I am enjoying every second because I will remember this day for the rest of my life.
16:00 Mbappe on his new teammates at Real Madrid: "I met Ancelotti this morning at the “Valdebabas” but we didn't talk about tactics, we just joked. I also saw the footballers and all the base staff. I want to play with all players. You mentioned Vinicius, Bellingham… Yes, these are great players, but when you are at Real Madrid, you only partner with such players. What I want is to play with the best footballers. I am willing to cooperate with all players here. Today I saw some of my teammates and I was happy to meet them. As I have said before, I have faced Real Madrid, but now I am a player of this team. The difference is big and I'm glad to have this opportunity.
15:50 The striker on which position he feels most comfortable: "I will play where the coach tells me. I can play all three positions in attack. I have done it both in Paris Saint-Germain, in France and in Monaco. The important thing is to be physically and mentally fit to help the team. Where I see myself playing is a detail for you journalists to talk about. For me, this is non-negotiable. I met with the coach this morning and we haven't talked about it because it's not important to me. What interests me is to play and prove that I have a place at Real Madrid.
15:45 On the occasion of his failed transfer two years ago, Mbappe commented: "Yes, two years ago, as well as three years ago, I was close to a transfer to Real Madrid. This is part of the life of a football player. Like I said, the past is behind me. Many things have happened, but they are in the past. I think in the present and I want to enjoy my life and every second today because this is a day I will remember for a lifetime. I will tell it to my children and all my relatives. For me, this is a historic day.
15:40 Kylian Mbappe on his desire for a transfer and his goals this season: "When exactly did I decide to sign with Real Madrid? It's easy, even as a child. Like I said, it was a dream that later turned into a goal. As a professional you know you are close to it, but I knew it was my destiny to play for Real Madrid and that one day it would happen. I made the decision as a child. Now I'm lucky, thank God it happened today. I am happy and I want to enjoy it. I come with humility because I arrive at the best club in the history of football. However, I also arrive with one mission - to win with the club. Modesty and ambition, as well as victories, of course. But I think that right now the priority is to fit into the team and the collective. I think when that happens it will be much easier for me because I will be playing in a big team and I want to adapt as quickly as possible to help the team on the pitch.
15:35 At the beginning of Kylian Mbappe's press conference: “It is an honor and a privilege to be a Real Madrid player. It was a fantastic day and much better than I expected. That's why I have to thank the club and all the Madridistas. I feel privileged to call myself a Real Madrid player. This was my childhood dream and I was waiting for this moment for a long time. Now it's a reality, I'm a Real Madrid player. My dream was to be a Real Madrid player and now it's a fact. It is a great satisfaction for both me and my family. Because they know about all the effort it cost me to get here. We went through quite a few stages. Now I want to think only about the present. I am a very happy boy, eager to meet my teammates and the coach, as well as to play my first game.
14:15 After about 15 minutes Mbappe delighted the fans, he headed to the tunnel of the "Bernabeu" and the fans sent him off with songs. Thus, there is only one more point left on today's program of the footballer, namely his first press conference as part of Real Madrid.
14:05 Before leaving the pitch, for a few minutes Mbappe walked around the pitch, greeting the crowd and kicking balls into the stands as a memento for the fans of this special day for Real Madrid .
14:01 This marks the end of the main part of Mbappe's performance as a Real Madrid player. This was followed by photos of the footballer with the president, club legends and his relatives. Also, the forward posed for solo photos in which he kissed the club emblem.
14:00 After Mbappe's speech ended, in which he recalled Cristiano Ronaldo's performance 15 years ago, the packed stands of the "Bernabeu" burst into chants for the French footballer.
13:55 It's time for Mbappe's first speech as a Real Madrid player.
13:49 Florentino Perez took the floor again and in a short speech talked about Mbappe's childhood dream to wear the team of the 15-time European champion. After that, the club president listed all the striker's individual and collective honors so far.
13:47 Finally, the moment came, because of which 85 thousand spectators filled the “Bernabeu”. Florentino Perez welcomed Kylian Mbappe, who took to the pitch at Real Madrid's club stadium for the first time as a Madrid player. He was greeted by a standing ovation from the fans, then embraced with Perez, Zidane and Pirie.
13:43 During his speech, Peres first invited honorary club president Piri and then Madrid icon Zidane to the stage.
13:38 After the two epic videos aired, Florentino Perez took the stage to give an opening speech. He first congratulated the Spanish national team on their fourth European title, then addressed the fans in the stadium about the club's history and the signing of Mbappe.
13:30 A new video aired at the “Bernabeu” followed, this time with the highlights of the French striker's career so far. Among the shots, there were also those of Mbappe with one of his idols, namely Zidane.
13:24 The stadium screens first showed the stars of the team from recent years, and then a video with the most memorable moments in the club's history accompanied by Nessun dorma.
13:21 Immediately after that, the club president Florentino Perez appeared on the pitch and was greeted with cheers from the audience. He took to the field in the company of honorary president José Martínez Piri and fan favorite Zinedine Zidane. As soon as the three took their seats, the “Bernabeu” was heralded by chants of “Florentino, Florentino”.
13:20 The club television showed on the stadium screen how Mbappe had already put on the Real Madrid kit, which caused a thunderous ovation among the fans.
13:10 Kylian Mbappe's loved ones took their seats right in front of the stage on the pitch, where club legends Raul Gonzalez, Alvaro Arbeloa and Santiago Solari are also.
13:08 Man of the day Kylian Mbappe is due to appear in front of the packed stands of the "Bernabeu" at any moment.
12:25 Footage has emerged of Kylian Mbappe and Florentino Perez signing the five-year contract for the footballer, who then also poses with the number 9 shirt in front of the Champions League trophies.
12:15 The stadium has started to fill up, with cheers from the stands every time Mbappe is shown on the pitch screen.
12:05 Mbappe is already in the dressing room of the “Bernabeu” and in about an hour he will go out on the field with the white team.
11:45 Mbappe arrived at the "Valdebebas" to sign his five-year contract with Real Madrid.
11:40 “We have prepared a huge surprise for Mbappe”, Real Madrid club television announced.
11:35 In front of the “Bernabeu” there is already a large crowd ready to enter the stadium to see Mbappe with the Real Madrid team10:45 Mbappe leaves the clinic after his tests, being greeted by reporters who ask him if is a dream come true to play for Real Madrid. “Yes, for sure”, the football player answers succinctly.
10:40 All 15 of Real Madrid's European trophies in the club window will be on display on the pitch during Mbappe's presentation.
10:35 The scene of the “Santiago Bernabeu” is ready to welcome Mbappe in front of the packed stands of the stadium.
10:00 Mbappe appeared at the Madrid clinic “Sanitas de la Moraleja” to undergo the mandatory medical examinations before signing his contract with Real Madrid. In them, his nose will also be examined, and it will be assessed whether an operation is necessary.