Kylian Mbappé was unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday, in front of tens of thousands of fans at the Bernabéu, pledging to "give everything" for the LaLiga champions.
Mbappé, 25, signed a five-year contract with the club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. The French international underwent a medical on Tuesday morning before visiting Madrid's Valdebebas training ground to officially sign his new deal.
Arriving at the Bernabéu, fans had queued for hours to secure their seats at the presentation, which commenced at around 12.30 p.m. Spanish time. "Wow. It's incredible to be here," Mbappé said in Spanish. "I dreamt for many years about playing for Real Madrid, and today that dream comes true."
Real Madrid announced last month that Mbappé had agreed to join them, ending their long pursuit of the star forward, after nearly signing him in 2017 and 2022. "I want to thank the president (Florentino Pérez) first," Mbappé stated. "He believed in me from the first day. A lot of things happened, but I want to say thank you. I want to thank everyone who has worked for me to come here. I know it was hard but now I'm here, I'm a Real Madrid player."
He continued, "Since I was a kid I had one dream, to play here. Being here means a lot to me ... Now I want to achieve another dream, being at the level of this club, the best in the world. I can say one thing: I'll give everything for this club and this badge."
The 85,000-capacity Santiago Bernabéu Stadium had been expected to be full, with tickets, made available for free to club members, having sold out, although some empty seats were noted.
Mbappé and Pérez were joined on stage by Madrid's honorary president, Pirri, and club legend Zinedine Zidane, who first invited Mbappé for a trial at Madrid in 2012. "Congratulations for having achieved a dream," Pérez said. "I know how excited your family is. You fell in love with Real Madrid as a boy. You were here in this stadium aged 13. I know you'll never forget that day in December 2012, when Zidane invited you to Real Madrid City."
"Your love for Real Madrid, identifying with this badge, has given you the strength to overcome every obstacle to be here as a new Real Madrid player. Today you're here because you wanted to be. Your will has overcome all adversity. Thank you for making an effort to wear this shirt," Pérez added.
Earlier, Mbappé arrived at the Sanitas clinic in La Moraleja, an exclusive Madrid suburb, for his medical just before 9 a.m. local time. Doctors were expected to examine his broken nose, which he suffered in France's opening game at Euro 2024. There has been no confirmation if the injury will require further treatment or surgery.
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