"I'd like to send him a huge hug!" - Kylian Mbappe reveals iconic message in Real Madrid presentation was a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappe reflected on his tribute to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo at the Real Madrid presentation on Tuesday, July 16. The Frenchman was officially unveiled as the new 'galactico' in a fully-packed Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
The 25-year-old saw out his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last season and departed on a free transfer. Then on June 3, Mbappe officially announced his decision to join Real Madrid. His unveiling was delayed owing to his commitments with France at the UEFA Euro 2024.
With the tournament now wrapped up, the reigning Spanish and European champions held the much-awaited unveiling at the Bernabeu. While standing on the podium and addressing the fans, he said:
"One, two, three...Hala Madrid."
This was exactly what Ronaldo said back in 2009 during his unveiling. Mbappe later revealed it was indeed a tribute to the Portuguese legend, adding that he'd also want to send the 39-year-old a hug for all his advice. He said (via Managing Madrid):
"I gave a tribute to my idol Cristiano Ronaldo (uno, dos, tres.. Hala Madrid!). We talk all the time and he gives me a lot of advice. I'd like to send him a huge hug!"
When Mbappe announced that he was joining Real Madrid, Ronaldo was among those who responded to the post, commenting that it was his time to shine with Los Blancos. Remarkably, his comment garnered over six million likes, while Mbappe's announcement post went viral too, accruing 25.3 million likes on his page.
At the Euro 2024, the players clashed one more time, and perhaps the last time, as Portugal faced France in the quarter-finals, where Mbappe and Co. prevailed on penalties.
Kylian Mbappe likely to make his official Real Madrid debut on 14 August
Now that the unveiling is behind them, Real Madrid fans will be eagerly looking forward to seeing Mbappe make his official club debut. That is likely going to happen on 14 August, when Los Blancos play Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti's Champions League winners face Gian Piero Gasperini's Europa League winners in a one-off game at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.
Mbappe will be eager to make a mark by bagging a goal. He will have the chance to prep by playing in the pre-season friendlies scheduled against AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea.