Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was years in the making, and the Frenchman has now revealed just how important Florentino Perez was in finally making it happen.
In an extensive interview with AS, Mbappe looked back on his journey to the Santiago Bernabeu and explained that there was never really a question over whether he wanted to play for Madrid. The difficult part was making the move possible.
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Now in his third season at the club, Mbappe says the reality has matched the dream he had as a child.
Mbappe says Perez never gave up
Mbappe recalled that his relationship with Perez stretched back a decade before he eventually became a Real Madrid player.
“He’s the one who brought me here. We stayed in touch throughout the 10 years leading up to my arrival.
Perez and Mbappe were in touch for 10 years. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“He always showed warmth and understanding regarding every decision made, whether positive or negative for Real Madrid.
“He always told me that one day I’d play for Real Madrid, and here I am – and very happy at that. That’s why I have to thank him for everything he’s done and continues to do for me. He’s the best president in the world.”
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Those years of contact meant Perez remained a constant figure in Mbappe’s path towards Madrid and when the opportunity finally arrived, the forward did not need persuading.
Real Madrid was always Mbappe’s destination
Asked whether Real Madrid are what he had imagined as a boy, Mbappe said that playing for Los Blancos had always carried a different significance.
“Yes, absolutely. I was expecting the best club in the world, and to be met with such enthusiasm from Real Madrid fans all over the world.
Mbappe never had any doubts about Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“When I arrived here, I already had a certain status, but when you’re a Real Madrid player, you move to another level – a higher level. I think that if you want to be part of football history, you have to play for Real Madrid.”
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That explains why Mbappe insists nobody actually convinced him to make the move.
“To be honest, nobody and nothing needs to convince you to join Real Madrid.
“Everyone close to me knew that at some point I’d want to join Real Madrid. There was absolutely no doubt that I wanted to come, but sometimes when something isn’t possible, there’s nothing you can do about it and you have to accept it.
“Nobody had to convince me to come to Real Madrid, not even Florentino Pérez, as great as he is. It was a given,” he noted.
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