Real Madrid players already in love with Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid was a long time coming, but it’s finally done. “I could have come two years ago, and again three years ago...but the past is behind me and I only want to think about the present,” the France captain revealed at his unveiling last Tuesday.

Real Madrid players full of compliments for Mbappé

A smiling Mbappé claimed the move was a “dream come true” on several occasions. According to sources consulted by AS, there is a similar sense of excitement from within the Madrid dressing room, with various members of the squad already impressed by their new teammate’s attitude and personality. “He’s a really good guy,” is the widespread belief.

“He seems to be a straightforward guy, who speaks good Spanish, he’s honest...I think he’s going to be well liked here,” said honorary president José Martínez Pirri, a hugely influential figure at the club.

Similarly complimentary sounds were heard coming from several players after Mbappé's flying visit to Madrid before going off on holiday: “He seemed very focused,” “he couldn’t wait to start training and contributing,” “he’s very humble,” were among the flattering words thrown in his direction.

Why does Mbappé already speak fluent Spanish?

The Frenchman’s fluency in Spanish has also earned him plenty of praise. The 25-year-old has previously explained that he began learning the language as a child, and has spoken Spanish in public in the past.

Even so, those who interacted with him face to face were struck by the fluidity and ease with which he was able to communicate. In addition to his native French, Mbappé also speaks fluent English, which will further help him adapt to his new surroundings with certain teammates.

The former Paris Saint-Germain superstar may only have been in the Spanish capital for a short time, but he made a big impression before leaving. Mbappé was able to meet with the coaching stuff, the seven first-team players who have already returned for preseason (Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vázquez, David Alaba, Jesús Vallejo, Fran García, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz) and members of the reverse squad.

Vinícius among Mbappé's allies in Real Madrid dressing room

The Frenchman had time to say hello to his new teammates, get his training gear on for the first time, find his locker and take a few photos. In a few weeks, he will do the same with the rest of the squad, several of whom he already has a good personal relationship with.

Most notably, international teammates Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy, all of whom were also in the France squad for Euro 2024. “The French players have really pushed for me to come to Madrid,” Mbappé revealed to the media.

Although he explained he is also close to one man he will team up with in the Real Madrid attack: “Vinicius sent me a lot of messages. He told me that we would score a lot of goals together.”

When will Mbappé start preseason? When will he make his Real Madrid debut?

Mbappé will start preseason with Real Madrid on August 8, after they have returned from their tour of the United States. There had been fears he may have to have surgery to repair a broken nose suffered at the Euros, but that won’t ultimately be the case. The injury will, however, be reassessed when he reports for duty.

The France captain is expected to make his debut for Los Blancos less than a week later, against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14.

Fitness coach Antonio Pintus and the rest of the coaching staff are already working on how to ensure Mbappé gets up to speed as quickly as possible before his first season in a white jersey. It could be a long one, with six trophies up for grabs and potentially 71 games to be played.