Mbappe: Perez Maintained Decade-Long Contact Before Real Madrid Move

For a decade before officially joining Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe remained in regular contact with club president Florentino Perez — a sustained dialogue Mbappe credits as central to his eventual arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In an interview with Spanish daily AS, the French forward detailed how Perez never ceased pursuing the transfer, even during periods when a move appeared unfeasible. Mbappe emphasized that no external persuasion was required: his ambition to wear the white shirt had been fixed since childhood.

Now in his third season with the club, Mbappe affirmed that the reality of playing for Real Madrid aligns precisely with the vision he held as a young player.

Perez’s Persistent Engagement

Mbappe confirmed that his relationship with Perez began 10 years prior to his signing and continued uninterrupted throughout that span.

“He’s the one who brought me here. We stayed in touch throughout the 10 years leading up to my arrival.”

“He always showed warmth and understanding regarding every decision made, whether positive or negative for Real Madrid.”

“He always told me that one day I’d play for Real Madrid, and here I am – and very happy at that. That’s why I have to thank him for everything he’s done and continues to do for me. He’s the best president in the world.”

This continuity ensured Perez remained the defining institutional figure guiding Mbappe’s path to Madrid — and when the opportunity materialized, the forward required no further encouragement.

The Inevitability of Madrid

When asked whether Real Madrid lived up to his childhood expectations, Mbappe responded unequivocally.

“Yes, absolutely. I was expecting the best club in the world, and to be met with such enthusiasm from Real Madrid fans all over the world.”

“When I arrived here, I already had a certain status, but when you’re a Real Madrid player, you move to another level – a higher level. I think that if you want to be part of football history, you have to play for Real Madrid.”

“To be honest, nobody and nothing needs to convince you to join Real Madrid.”

“Everyone close to me knew that at some point I’d want to join Real Madrid. There was absolutely no doubt that I wanted to come, but sometimes when something isn’t possible, there’s nothing you can do about it and you have to accept it.”

“Nobody had to convince me to come to Real Madrid, not even Florentino Pérez, as great as he is. It was a given,” he noted.