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Kylian Mbappe says he always wanted to join Real Madrid when asked about turning down Al-Ittihad last month.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe’s transfer saga came to an end last summer when the forward joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappe previously rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, and it was reported that Al-Ittihad made an additional world-record bid for the forward in February. However, the player ultimately chose his long-desired move to the Spanish giants.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Speaking at a press conference, Mbappe emphasized that his decision to move to Real Madrid was motivated by his childhood dream, not financial considerations. Wearing the white jersey and playing at the Santiago Bernabeu has always been his aspiration, and he expressed pride in finally realizing this dream.
WHAT MBAPPE SAID
Mbappe told reporters: “I always wanted to play for Real Madrid…without thinking about the salary. To be honest, it was already a decisive factor to play in this jersey. It’s one of the best clubs in the world. When you play here you have the chance to win every trophy.”
“Since I started playing football, I wanted to play for this club [Real]. So I put all that [money] aside, I came for the love of the club. I’m very happy today.”
He added: “Since I was little I wanted to play for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, especially in the white shirt…my idols were Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. I wanted to play in the shirt.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
Mbappe is poised to make his 100th appearance for Real Madrid if he features in the Champions League match against Arsenal on Wednesday. The French had a slower start to his spell at Real Madrid, but has since picked up pace, and now has 32 goals and 4 assists in 46 matches this season.
He will be vital for Los Blancos as they try to win the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, and La Liga, where they sit 4 points behind Barcelona.
