Kylian Mbappe Explains Why He Opted For No.9 Shirt At Real Madrid, Instead Of His Usual No.10 Currently Worn By Luka Modric.

Kylian Mbappe has today been unveiled as a new Real Madrid player in front of a packed Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid.

The Spanish champions have been long-time admirers of one of world football's most prodigious talents and tried to sign him last summer for £137m as he prepared to enter the final year of his contract at PSG but the deal didn't materialise.

Infact, PSG accepted a world record bid of £259m from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in 2023, but Mbappe rejected the move as it became apparent that he wanted to move to the Bernabeu.

The 25-year-old finally completes his long awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain after his contract expired in June with the French club.

The forward left PSG having scored 256 goals in 308 appearances, after seven hugely-successful years at the Parc des Princes, the first of them on loan from Monaco.

Despite winning six Ligue 1 titles and four French Cups, he and PSG never got their hands on the Champions League trophy, something he will hope to be able to remedy during his time in the Spanish capital.

Mbappe, who was offered a contract extension by the Ligue1 side, was left out of PSG's pre-season tour as a result but he was eventually reintegrated by manager Luis Enrique.

He signed a five-year deal with the Los Blancos in July, but his presentation was delayed due to France's involvement at Euro 2024, where they were knocked out at the semi-final stage (2-1) by eventual champions Spain.

Mbappe scored just one goal at the just concluded tournament which came in a penalty against Poland, and was left wearing a mask after breaking his nose.

He later described his performance at the championship as a “failure.”

“In football you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good. My Euro was a failure,” he said.

“‘I wanted to be European champion. I will now go on holiday, I will rest well, it will do me a lot of good, then I will get ready to start a new life. There’s a lot to do.”

Mbappe, who was kitted out in Real Madrid's new home kit was introduced by the club president Florentino Perez on Tuesday to the 80,000 spectators which included his parents Wilfried Mbappe and Fayza Lamari, as he addressed crowd in Spanish.

The World Cup winner with France, said his childhood dream of joining Real Madrid had come true. He told supporters he had dreamt of the moment he could boldly call himself a Real Madrid player.

“I spent endless nights dreaming about one day playing for Real Madrid and today I am one happy guy," said Mbappe.

"My family are so happy here, I can see my mum crying.

"It’s an incredible day for me, I’ve dreamt of this day since I was a kid and this day means a lot to me.We won guys. We won. I’m here... It's reality.

“Let me say thanks to Florentino Pérez. I want to thank the president for having confidence in me since day one, thanks a lot.

“I have a message for children. I see a lot of children here in the stadium. I was a child like you. With passion and dreams, you can achieve whatever you want.

“I dreamt many years of this day, Today I’m happy boy, his dream is coming true

“This is the biggest club in the world. I want to win, I want to be part of the history of this club. 

 “My other dream now is to be at the level of the best club in the world. I will give my life to this club.

“I won’t speak more because I’m going to cry (laughs). Hala Madrid!”

Madrid had earlier posted a photograph of the France superstar posing in front of the club's 15 replica Champions League trophies alongside Perez as he became manager Carlo Ancelotti's latest and much sought-after recruit.

Speaking to Mbappe before the Frenchman spoke to the crowd, Perez said: “The love that you felt for Real Madrid, and you identifying with this club since your childhood, made it possible for you to be here and to overcome those obstacles on the way to your dream.”

🏠 ¡Bienvenido a tu nueva casa, @KMbappe! 🤩#WelcomeMbappé pic.twitter.com/rFtyvX4qdo

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 16, 2024 

Mbappe was unveiled sporting the iconic number 9 jersey that famously has been worn by legends of the club such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo, Javier Saviola, and Roberto Soldado.

Mbappe, also explains why he opted for the no 9 shirt at Madrid, allowing Luka Modric to wear no. 10 for what could be his last season in Spain.

At PSG, Mbappe wore the no 10 shirt, just like he does for France.

“I never said I wanted this number… it’s Luka Modrić’s number... Mbappe said at his unveiling.

“I’m honoured to play with Modrić. He’s a champion, a Ballon d’Or winner and I respect him so much. I'm proud and happy to sit next to him in the dressing room, 9 and 10, we are close. It's a pleasure for me.”

Mbappe, who was hugged on stage by compatriot and former Madrid head coach and player Zinedine Zidane, later posed for photographs, shook hands with fans and kicked balls into the stands amid an out-pouring of affection from the locals.

The striker is expected to commence his pre-season activity with his new club in early August and everything points to his first official game being the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta in Warsaw next month (Wednesday, August 14).