Mendy: "I'll be giving my all to show my quality"

Ferland Mendy spoke to Realmadrid TV for the first time as a madridista and he expressed his delight at having joined the club: "I'm really happy, it's a dream come true for me. I've delighted to have signed for the best club in the wolrd. I've been playing as a left-back for a good few years now. When I was a youngster, I was a striker. That's helped me to be a force going forward and joining Real Madrid is a dream come true for me. I'll be giving my all to show my quality".

1. How does it feel right now to have become a Real Madrid player?
   

   I'm really happy, it's a dream come true for me. I'm delighted to have joined the best club in the world.

2. In both of the past two seasons you've been included in the Ligue 1 Best XI, have become a full French international and now you've signed for Real Madrid. How does a kid that started out as a forward end up as a left-back at Real Madrid having been on such an amazing journey?

   I've been playing at left-back for a good few years now. When I was very small I played up front. That's helped me to be a force going forward and joining Real Madrid is a dream come true for me. I'll be giving my all to show my quality.

3. When your signing for Real Madrid was officially announced, you spoke about [Zinedine] Zidane as a coach who'll improve your game. What is it about him that appeals to you?

   He has a good many things to offer me and he'll help me to perfect certain aspects of my game. It's a dream come true for me to train under Zidane, we're all well aware of what he's achieved and his trophy haul.

4. On this very special day you're here surrounded by the 13 European Cups, how does it feel to see so many trophies?

   It's amazing to see these trophies and to be at a club that has won so much silverware. I've been involved in the Champions League this past season and the previous one and so it's a competition I already know. They're magnificent trophies, they represent the club and are what makes it the best club in the world.

5. You'll share a dressing room here with Marcelo, Real Madrid vice-captain and a legend with four Champions League crowns to his name. What exactly will you be able to learn from him?

   I'll be able to learn all about what he's experienced since the start of his career. He'll be able to show me the runs I'll need to make out on the pitch, given that he knows Real Madrid's playing style inside out. I'm ready to learn from him.

6. Here at Real Madrid you're joining up with your two compatriots in Karim Benzema and Raphaël Varane. What have they told you about the club and just how excited are you by the prospect of playing alongside them?

   I can't wait to play with them. They've had some great things to say about the club: that it's like a family and that everyone sticks together. It'll be a pleasure to play with them. I've played with Varane for the French national team and I'd like to line up alongisde Benzema, because he also came from Olympique Lyon.

7. All of the Real Madrid fans are so keen for you to be a success here. What message would you send to them at such at special time?

   I'm really happy to be here, at the best club in the world. I'm really looking forward to playing in front of you and proving my quality. Hala Madrid!