Konaté: 'Since I was a child, I dreamed of this moment, and that dream has come true.'

Konaté gave an interview to Realmadrid TV after his welcome ceremony as a Real Madrid player. The defender explained what it means to him to be part of the club: “It means a lot to me because the first jersey I ever had was a Real Madrid one, which was a gift from my older brother. Since then, I have always dreamed of playing for this fantastic team. Today, I am living that dream and I am very happy to be here. I know the club has very high expectations for anyone who wears this jersey. I am here to fight for this team with everything I have, on and off the pitch.”

Standing before the 15 Champions League trophies
“I feel great being so close to them. I only feel sorry for one, the one from Paris 2022, because I was playing for Liverpool at that time and Real Madrid won the Champions League again. But I want to be part of this history, and I want to win titles: to win the Champions League with this team and to be part of this team forever.”

The president
“Florentino Pérez means so much because Madrid is the biggest club in the world, and he is a big reason for that. He is a man who has changed many things in this club and has brought it to what it is today. That is why Florentino Pérez in the world of football is such an important figure and will be forever.”

The call from Real Madrid
“I wasn’t the first to receive the call from Real Madrid; it was my brother, and he was very happy. He was shouting while he was on the phone. Without my family, I wouldn’t be here today.”

What has surprised him the most
“Everything: the training ground, the people… Everyone is so kind and tries to help you focus on the pitch and on football. I have been at an incredible club like Liverpool, but I didn’t expect to have all these things at Real Madrid. Even when we travel, there are so many people to make sure we are okay. It’s impressive.”

His contribution
“I’m going to work every day to give my best, to be the best in the world in my position, and to help the team. The most important thing for me is that my teammates are happy and that we win trophies. That’s my only goal.”

His Spanish
“I started studying Spanish after the World Cup. Since I returned from vacation, I haven’t had much time, but since arriving here for preseason, I’ve started again with some classes. I hope that in a few months, I’ll be able to speak well with everyone.”

Playing at the Bernabéu
“I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to playing there because it’s now a completely renovated stadium. I’ve played at the Bernabéu before, but it wasn’t like it is now. So, I’m very excited to be able to play in it.”

The start of La Liga against Espanyol
“The important thing is to get the three points, and for a defender like me, not to concede any goals. I think that’s the best way to start the season.”

Message to the madridistas
“Good afternoon, everyone. I am very happy to be here. First of all, I want to thank the president, the coach, and Real Madrid for their trust. I also want to thank my family, my friends, and everyone who has supported me from the beginning. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. Since I was a child, I dreamed of this moment, and today that dream has come true. I know very well what this club represents. It is a great responsibility but also a great motivation. I also want to thank the fans for their support; it means so much to me and my family. I promise to give my all for this jersey, to work every day to the maximum, and to help the team. I hope to experience great moments and win many titles. Hala Madrid!”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.