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New Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged the support received from club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. The 25-year-old was officially unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (July 14) in a glittering ceremony.
Kylian Mbappe arrives in the Spanish capital on a free transfer after a prolific seven-season stint with PSG - where he scored a record 256 goals - including 44 across competitions last season.
After his unveiling, Mbappe expressed his happiness to know Ronaldo and his compatriot Zidane and for the help he has 'always' received from them. He said (as per Madrid Xtra):
"I'm very happy to know Zidane and Cristiano. They always help me."
Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has embarked on a new challenge abroad after nearly a decade in his native France.
He's coming off a rather lean Euro 2024 campaign - scoring once and assisting twice in five games - for Les Bleus, who crashed out following a 2-1 semi-final loss to eventual winners Spain.
However, Kylian Mbappe will look to hit the ground running as he hopes to join the pantheon of greats like Ronaldo and Zidane and become a part of club folklore at Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe recreates iconic Cristiano Ronaldo moment at Real Madrid unveiling
Cristiano Ronaldo is a bonafide Real Madrid legend, scoring a record 450 times in 438 games across competitions in nine prolific seasons at the club between 2009 and 2018.
Mbappe recreated Ronaldo's iconic 'un, dos, tres Hala Madrid' moment in his unveling at the Bernabeu. Acknowleding the advice he has received from his 'friend', the Frenchman said (via GOAL):
"Ending the presentation with 'Un, dos, tres, Hala Madrid' was a nod to Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a friend who has made history at this club. He has always given me advice on the game and on the ability to stay connected to your passion."
Thanking fans for the rousing welcome, the 25-year-old added:
"I'm still a nobody at Real, I haven't played a single match. Such a welcome when I haven't done anything here yet is incredible. Thanks to the fans. I want to show on the pitch what I can do.
"There is no better place to win titles. If I fit in well, everything will work out. I will put my energy into that to adapt to the team, that is the No. 1 priority."
Kylian Mbappe could make his competitive debut for Los Blancos in the UEFA Super Cup with Atalanta on August 14 in Warsaw.
