Spectacular welcome for Kylian Mbappé at the Santiago Bernabéu
"Kylian, thank you for making an effort that many can't possibly imagine so that today you can wear this white shirt, the shirt of the 15 European Cups," said Florentino Pérez to a packed stadium.
Kylian Mbappé was given a rapturous reception at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. More than 80,000 fans applauded the striker as he was unveiled as a new Madrid player. A video with images of the 15 European Cups won by the club and another with the greatest moments and goals of the French international was shown as an introduction to the presentation ceremony, where Florentino Pérez was joined by members of the board of directors; the honorary Real Madrid president, José Martínez Pirri; the Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño; and club legends like Santamaría, Zidane, Raúl, Solari and Arbeloa, to name a few.
Florentino Pérez: "We would like to welcome an exceptional player who has come to help us continue our winning ways"
"First of all, I would like to congratulate the Spanish national football team on winning their fourth European Championship in their history. My congratulations are not only for having won this great trophy but also for the way in which they achieved it, winning all their matches."
"Dear madridistas, it is with great satisfaction that we all return to normality and are able to unveil the new Real Madrid players in our stadium. Here, in this magnificent temple of world football, a large part of what we are has been written. The Bernabéu has seen the best players defend our shirt and is now ready for what will be a turning point in the history of Real Madrid. This stadium will continue to boast the best players in the world."
"The time has come to welcome an exceptional player who has come to help us keep winning. A player who today is fulfilling the dream of his life. Today we welcome Kylian Mbappé. Kylian, thank you for making an effort that many can't possibly imagine so that today you can wear this white shirt, which is the shirt of the 15 European Cups. Welcome to your new home, welcome to Real Madrid."
Emotion
"I thank you for your unconditional love and passion for Real Madrid. I know only too well the emotion that you and your family must be feeling right now. You fell in love with Real Madrid as a child. You were in this stadium when you were just 13 years old, and even then we saw how your eyes shone with emotion when you watched your idols. I know you will never forget that day in December 2012, when Zinedine Zidane invited you to visit Real Madrid City and meet the players you admired so much. And you have fulfilled your dream because you have never given up. You are here today because you wanted to be. And it is only your desire that has been able to overcome all adversity."
A role model for the children
"Today you are also surrounded by many loved ones. And here at the Santiago Bernabéu are hundreds of children who have come all the way from France. They are here thanks to your charitable foundation, which embraces them with affection and encourages them to pursue their own dreams. You, the top football players, are the greatest role models for all those children who are watching this exciting moment today from all corners of the world. These children will never forget the day when Kylian Mbappé fulfilled his dream. You are finally here at Real Madrid. Welcome to your home, welcome to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and congratulations on achieving your dream!"
Mbappé: "My dream is to measure up to this club, the greatest club in history"
Mbappé took the stage at the north end of the stadium. Once there, and with Real Madrid's 15 European Cups on display behind him, he spoke to the fans who packed out the Santiago Bernabéu: "It's incredible to be here. I've slept for many years with the dream of playing for Real Madrid and today my dream has come true. I'm so happy. First of all, I’d like to thank the club president, Florentino Pérez, who had faith in me from the very first day. Many things happened, but I want to thank you. Also to all the people who have worked for me to be here. It was very difficult, but we won. I’m finally a Real Madrid player."
"My family is happy and my mum is crying. It's an incredible day for me. Ever since I was little I've had the dream of playing here. Since I was little I've felt the love and affection of the madridistas. Thanks to everyone. My dream now is to measure up to this club, the best club in the world. I will give my life for this club and this crest. I'm proud to belong to the club of my dreams and the greatest club in the history of football."
A message to the young ones
"I'd like to send a message to the children. I was like you, I had a dream and today I have fulfilled it. I want to give some advice and that is that with passion you can do anything you want. Today I'm here and next time it could be one of you. I'm very excited. I'm talking a lot because it means a lot to be here. I’m so happy. 1,2,3, Hala Madrid!"