Mbappe addresses his relationship with Florentino Perez after previous rejections – ‘I always tell him…’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe’s journey to Real Madrid was long, dramatic, and filled with twists — but in the summer of 2024, the French superstar finally became a Galactico.

For club president Florentino Perez, it was a dream come true. After two failed attempts to lure the forward to the Spanish capital, the third time proved to be the charm. And now, months into his debut season, Mbappe is thriving.

Speaking to journalist Ana Pastor on La Sexta TV, the former PSG man admitted how happy he is to be wearing the white shirt of Real Madrid.

“You can see it on my face when I’m happy,” he said with a smile.

“I try to discover the city of Madrid, the Spanish culture, but we don’t have time for much else. I focus on football because we play every three days. The schedule is impressive.”

Florentino’s patience pays off

Kylian Mbappe was Florentino Perez’s dream signing. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Mbappe’s path to Madrid wasn’t straightforward. Twice, he rejected offers from the club — first as a teenager and later in 2022 when he renewed with PSG.

Those decisions could have burned bridges, but as Mbappe explained, it was the constant support from Florentino Pérez that helped keep the dream alive.

“It wasn’t easy,” Mbappe confessed. “But with the president, I always had a good relationship. Even when I stayed in Paris, he was there for me. He showed affection to me and my family, and that makes the difference.”

“I respect him deeply. I always tell him I’ll give everything for the club and for him so that the Madrid fans are proud.”

The left-wing dilemma

Mbappe is ready to give his all. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

One of the main debates in Madrid this season has been where Mbappe fits best in the lineup. Both he and Vinícius Jr. prefer to operate from the left.

Ancelotti initially handed the Frenchman that role — familiar to him from his PSG days — but it has sparked discussions among fans and pundits about the team’s balance.

Mbappe, however, has downplayed the noise. “The debate is normal, but it doesn’t affect me,” he said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo knew how to play across the front three. I can do the same. It’s not just about position — it’s about feeling good and connecting with the team. That’s what matters most to me.”

While Mbappe is still settling into life in Spain, his professionalism is clear. He is not just here to play — he is here to win, and to build a legacy. His commitment to the club, to Perez, and to the fans is evident in his words and on the pitch.