Mbappe happy to adapt with new teammates at Real Madrid

MADRID | Xinhua | Kylian Mbappe said he would have to learn to adapt with his new teammates at Real Madrid but added he didn’t mind where he would play in an attack that is filled with star names.

The 25-year-old made his declarations in his first press conference as a Real Madrid player, minutes after being officially presented to over 70,000 ecstatic fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The French international had earlier passed his medical tests and signed a five-year contract, and he explained he had taken the chance to speak to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“I spoke to the coach this morning, but we haven’t talked tactics yet,” he admitted, adding that he “wanted to play with all of the players: Vinicius Jr, (Jude) Bellingham and all of them.”

He said he would need to “adapt well to the team because I join a great group of players”, but insisted he was “not worried about where I’m going to play because I’ve played in all attacking positions both in France and at PSG (Paris Saint Germain) and Monaco. I just want to be on the field.”

Mbappe admitted he has received offers from other clubs to leave PSG, but “only had in mind playing for Real Madrid”, and he said he had enjoyed watching Zinedine Zidane, another French legend who played for the club.

“I have memories of Real Madrid players: Zidane is the first because in France he is a very important person. Then I watched all of Cristiano’s games and now I don’t have to watch, I have to play,” he commented.

Mbappe’s European Championship was spoiled by a broken nose that he received early in the tournament, but he told the press he hoped it would not stop him making his competitive debut for the club in the European Supercup against Atalanta on August 14th in Warsaw.

“Tomorrow we will see with the club’s medical team what we do with the nose, but I hope to be in the Super Cup final if the coach wants,” he confirmed. ■