Who said i asked? — Mbappe denies making demands for Luka Modric's no.10 in epic Real Madrid presentation

Kylian Mbappe is honoured to have Luka Modric as a new teammate at Real Madrid.

Who said i asked? — Mbappe denies making demands for Luka Modric's no.10 in epic Real Madrid presentation

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 05:24 - 17.07.2024

Real Madrid's new signing Kylian Mbappe says the club has a number 10 in Luka Modric and he is honoured to play alongside him.

Kylian Mbappe wasted no time in addressing the controversial rumours about his alleged demands for Luka Modric's coveted number 10 jersey at his first press conference as a Real Madrid player.

The French superstar, 25, emphatically denied these claims, instead showering praise on his new teammate and current number 10, Modrić, during his presentation to adoring Los Blancos fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Mbappe quashes Modric rumours in Real Madrid

Mbappe's arrival has shocked the football world, with the young forward finally fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for the Spanish giants after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

But the Les Bleus skipper, who has gained over a million new followers since his presentation, was quick to shut down suggestions that he had demanded Modric's iconic number, insisting he was 'proud and happy' to play alongside the Real Madrid legend.

Kylian Mbappe during his Real Madrid presentation in 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
Kylian Mbappe kisses the Real Madrid badge during his presentation.
Kylian Mbappe kisses the Real Madrid badge during his presentation. (Photo Credit: Romano/X)

'Who said I wanted the number 10? We have a number 10, it's Luka Modri,” the latest Real Madrid Galactico stated according to a post on X.com. 

“He is a Ballon d'Or, he [has] won everything with Real Madrid. I'm proud and happy to sit next to him in the dressing room, 9 and 10, we are close. It's a pleasure for me,' Mbappe declared.

Luka Modric is Real Madrid's current number 10.
Luka Modric is Real Madrid's current number 10. (Photo Credit: Romano/X)
Db Milano 23/09/2019 - The Best FIFA Football Awards / foto Daniele Buffa/Image nella foto: Luka Modric

Instead, the French phenom was presented with the coveted number 9 jersey, which he will don as he prepares to help the Spanish champions begin their LaLiga defence against Real Mallorca when the league kicks off in August for the 2024/2025 season.

Mbappe's unveiling was a remarkable fanfare, with the player's parents beaming in the stands and French and club icon Zinedine Zidane, who saw the new star in Spain surpass his record, in attendance to witness the historic moment.

Mbappe in the Real Madrid dressing room after his presentation.
Mbappe in the Real Madrid dressing room after his presentation.
Kylian Mbappe will wear the number 9 jersey next season at Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe will wear the number 9 jersey next season at Real Madrid. (Photo Credit: Real Madrid/X)

The arrival of the former PSG main man adds another chapter to Real Madrid's rich 'Galactico' legacy, further amplifying the celebratory mood following Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 victory.

Mbappe leaves PSG as the club’s record goalscorer with 255 goals in 305 matches as he looks to not only match that for his new and dream club but to also follow in the footsteps of his idol and club legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. 

First official picture of Mbappe at Real Madrid before his presentation.
First official picture of Mbappe at Real Madrid before his presentation.
A packed Satiago Bernabeu welcomed Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid as new player.
A packed Satiago Bernabeu welcomed Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid as new player. (Photo Credit: Real Madrid/X)

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