Kylian Mbappe press conference LIVE: Real Madrid make French superstar’s “dream” come true

Kylian Mbappe hails the “incredible day” as he was formally unveiled as a Real Madrid player for the first time at the Bernabeu Stadium.

After his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired at the end of last month, his arrival had been impending, but he only officially joined the club on 1 July.

Florentino Perez introduced the club’s latest signing, who addressed the crowd in Spanish, in front of his parents.

That’s the end of Kylian Mbappe’s first press conference as a Real Madrid player.

What was the exact moment this season when you knew you would join Madrid?

Mbappe: “The exact moment I knew 100 per cent that I was signing for Madrid was today, when I was signing the contract, you saw the images, that was when I knew it was real.”

A reporter tells Mbappe that his unveiling beat the record set for Cristiano Ronaldo’s.

Mbappe: “Today was a day I will never forget, I didn’t expect something like that, it surpassed all my expectations.

“Every time I have been in Spain, all the fans showed me a lot of affection, they would greet me and say a lot of nice things, all I can say is I am very grateful to them and it’s a mutual feeling.”

When the first rumours about you joining Madrid emerged, was that when you started learning Spanish?

Mbappe: “I knew that one day I wanted to play for Real Madrid, and when I knew that, I knew that I needed to know Spanish.

“So I really wanted to learn it, so it helped me a lot to improve, and I had Spanish managers and other teammates so I could really practice Spanish with them, I was never afraid to make mistakes I just wanted to practice with them.

“I know that I still have to improve.”

On not having won the Champions League?

Mbappe: “Of course, this is the best club to achieve something like that at, but the first priority is to adapt to the team, to the group, other teams will arrive naturally.

“Obviously I want to win the CHampions League but right now I am focused on those nearest goals and right now that’s the only thing I’ve got on my mind.”

What does Cristiano Ronaldo mean to you? Have you spoken to him?

Mbappe: “Yes it was a tribute to Ronaldo, he was my idol when I was a kid, we’ve always been in touch, he’s always given me advice.

“He’s always advised me that I should work hard and show my passion for the game.

“I know that it was a tough experience for him at this latest Euros but he’s a huge legend and I’d like to send him a big hug.”

He is asked about the prospect of a nose operation:

Mbappe: “I’ve already answered that question in French, I passed that medical check this morning, we will try to look at that situation, we have yet to make that decision.

“Now these things don’t depend just on me, but I will make sure that I am ready for when the team needs me.”

How did Florentino Perez help you join the club?

Mbappe: “He has always supported me, he has given me a lot of affection, he helped me a lot and it helped a lot knowing the President wants me here.

“I am thrilled to start the next stage of my life, I know that there was a lot of work done, but in the end they made it possible.”

Mbappe is asked about the long journey it took to becoming a Real Madrid player.

Mbappe: “Not really, I was really sure that this moment would eventually arrive, because Madrid was my only option. i had offers from other clubs but I always said if I leave Paris, it will be for real Madrid.

“I didn’t want to speculate or give hope to other teams.”