I rejected other clubs — Mbappe at Real Madrid unveiling
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Presentation Kylian Mbappe In Real Madrid - Spain Kylian Mbappé during his presentation as a new player of Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on July 16, 2024. Photo by Laurent Lairys/ABACAPRESS.CO

I rejected other clubs — Mbappe at Real Madrid unveiling

Faruq Ibrahim 18:40 - 16.07.2024

Kylian Mbappe was unveiled for Real Madrid today and confirmed his long-held desire to be a Los Blancos.

Despite rejecting Real Madrid on multiple occasions, Kylian Mbappe stated that he only has eyes for the Los Blancos. 

Mbappe’s unveiling 

Gleaming at his unveiling as a Real Madrid player in what was the fulfilment of a childhood dream, Mbappe warmed himself to fans of the LALIGA champions as he spoke glowingly of the club.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper and was presented with the number 9 jersey, previously worn by his compatriot Karin Benzema. He was introduced to a packed Santiago Bernabeu, with 80,000 fans buzzing in elation. 

The former Monaco forward was handed a five-year contract by Real Madrid, which will keep him at the club until at least 2029, when he will be 30 years old. 

What Mbappe said 

Kylian Mbappe's destination, Real Madrid, has been predestined to some extent; however, his journey to the Bernabeu has not been straightforward. 

Initially going on a trial at Real Madrid as a 13-year-old, Mbappe opted to return to France for his development rather than sign for the Spaniards. Madrid came for him again while he was in Monaco, but a return to Paris, his city of birth, appealed to him more. 

Presentation Kylian Mbappe In Real Madrid - Spain Kylian Mbappé during his presentation as a new player of Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on July 16, 2024. Photo by Laurent Lairys/ABACAPRESS.CO
Presentation Kylian Mbappe In Real Madrid - Spain Kylian Mbappé during his presentation as a new player of Real Madrid CF at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on July 16, 2024. Photo by Laurent Lairys/ABACAPRESS.CO

The record Champions League winners thought they finally got their man when he verbally agreed to join upon the expiration of his PSG contract in 2022; however, he walked back on his decision and signed a two-plus one-year extension with the French side. At the end of the 2022/23 season, Mbappe informed PSG he would not trigger the additional year extension on his contract, meaning he was entering the last year of his contract the following season.

 “I was convinced that this moment would come. For me, Real Madrid was the only option. I had other offers from other clubs but I always said the same thing: if I leave Paris, it’s for Real Madrid,” Mbappe said, per GFFN.

Despite PSG's resistance, Mbappe stuck to his guns, allowed his contract to expire, and then signed for his dream club, Real Madrid. 

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