Kylian Mbappé, one of the brightest stars in world football and now playing for Real Madrid, recently opened up about his time at the club, reflecting on his journey to the Spanish capital and his evolving relationship with both the club and its president, Florentino Pérez. In an interview with "Sport" newspaper, Mbappé spoke candidly about his happiness in Madrid, his adjustment to the Spanish culture, and his views on football dynamics at the club, especially after his much-discussed decision to stay at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2022 despite strong links to Real Madrid.
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Mbappé began by describing how fulfilling it has been to be part of Real Madrid, emphasizing how much he enjoys his time in the city. "You can see it on my face when I’m happy," he remarked, highlighting that his joy comes from being fully immersed in his football career, though he does try to discover the beauty of Madrid and Spanish culture whenever possible. However, due to the intense football schedule, he admitted that finding time to explore the city is not always easy. "I try to explore Madrid and Spanish culture, but I don’t have time for much else. I focus on football, as we have a game every three days. The calendar is packed, and we play a lot of matches," he said. Despite the busy footballing calendar, Mbappé remains content with his life in Spain, constantly appreciating the professional atmosphere and the demands of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
A key part of his transition to Madrid, according to Mbappé, has been his interaction with the local people. He mentioned that one of the aspects he cherishes most about Spain is the warmth and friendliness of the Spanish people. "What I love most about Spain is the people. They are very friendly," Mbappé said, expressing gratitude for how the locals have made him feel welcome in the country. "I’m French, not Spanish, but they always help me," he continued, reflecting on the ease with which he has adapted to his new life in Madrid, both on and off the pitch.
The interview also touched on the subject of his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, especially after the dramatic saga in the summer of 2022 when Mbappé chose to extend his contract with PSG instead of moving to Madrid, despite months of speculation and rumors linking him to the Spanish giants. Mbappé acknowledged that the situation was not easy, but he emphasized the strength of his bond with Pérez. "It wasn’t easy, but my relationship with the president has always been good. From day one, he was by my side, even when I told him I was staying in Paris. He showed me and my family kindness, and that makes a difference," Mbappé said, reflecting on how Pérez treated him with respect and understanding despite the disappointing decision from the French star.
Furthermore, Mbappé expressed a deep admiration for Pérez, describing him as someone who has always been supportive and positive towards him. "He has always sent me positive messages, and I have great respect for him. I tell him that I will give my best for the club and for him so that the Madridistas are satisfied," said the French forward. This statement underscores Mbappé's commitment to Real Madrid and his determination to prove his worth on the pitch, not only to the fans but also to the man who played a significant role in his arrival at the club.
The conversation also touched on the position debate that arose at the beginning of the season when questions emerged regarding where exactly Mbappé would play in Real Madrid’s attacking setup. There was speculation that the rise of Vinícius Júnior on the left wing could affect Mbappé’s role, but the Frenchman played down the significance of the debate. "This is a natural debate, and it didn’t affect me," Mbappé explained, emphasizing that it was just a part of the footballing environment. Drawing from his own experience, he pointed out that Cristiano Ronaldo had successfully adapted to playing in different attacking positions during his time at Madrid, demonstrating that versatility is key for top players. "Cristiano (Ronaldo) knew how to play in all three attacking positions. I can play, and I have played in all three positions," he said, highlighting his own ability to thrive in various roles across the front line.
For Mbappé, the most important factor is not the specific position but rather his mindset and the chemistry with his teammates. "It’s not about the position but about the mindset and how to communicate with the team. That’s the most important thing for me," he stated, emphasizing that football is a team sport, and it’s essential to focus on the collective success rather than individual roles. He concluded by saying, "It’s always good to have a debate in football," acknowledging that such discussions help elevate the level of competition within a team and contribute to a healthy environment of growth and development.
Through this interview, Mbappé has not only shown his appreciation for the people and the culture of Spain but also reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid, both to the fans and to the president who has shown him consistent support throughout his career. His focus on teamwork, his respect for the club’s traditions, and his dedication to giving his best for the team make it clear that Mbappé is fully invested in his new chapter with Los Blancos.
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