Kylian was awarded at the Bernabeu as the best European striker of the past season, in the presence of his teammates, with him on stage, the president Florentino Perez and the coach Xabi Alonso: “Differences between PSG and Real? I’m proud to have been part of both”
“Thank you to all my teammates for bringing out the best in me. We have an incredible group and we can win a lot.” In the belly of the Bernabeu Kylian Mbappé, 26 years old, elegantly dressed in black, receives his first Golden Boot for the 2024-25 season, finishing as the best European striker with 31 goals in La Liga and 62 points in the goalscorers ranking. The first thought is for his teammates who then go up with him on the awards ceremony stage together with coach Xabi Alonso and president Florentino Perez. After Mbappé he calmly and relaxed answers the questions of the journalists of the ESM (European Sports Media), including the Gazzetta dello Sport exclusively for Italy, who organize the Golden Shoe.
“Since I was little I have always wanted to score lots of goals. I think every child who starts playing football dreams of scoring, of doing it many times. This is a very important award and it makes me very happy, but everyone knows that collective results are the most important. I hope to win another Golden Boot in the future, but above all I hope that we win the championship. My goal this year is to continue in the same vein with the team. If we win the La Liga and I get another Golden Boot, I will still be happier than I am now.”
He has scored many goals so far in Madrid: which one do you choose?
“I usually always say the last, but this time I would choose the first, because it was my first goal at the Bernabéu (1-9-2024, ed.). It was a special emotion against Betis, the first goal of many that I hope to score in this stadium. It was a moment that marked the beginning of my history at the Bernabéu and left me with a very beautiful memory.”
Does it look more like a 10 or a 9?
“I remember on the day of my presentation, when I was asked, I said that I didn’t care about the exact position. I’m a striker who can play in different positions and score from anywhere. Ultimately I only aim for the goal. I prefer others to describe who I am. My goal is to do my job and do it well, regardless of the position the coach puts me in.”
Has anything changed since you won the World Cup in 2018?
“I hope I have changed, because it is the normal evolution of a footballer. You always have to improve. It would be a problem if I were the same as I was 7 years ago. I think that with everything I have achieved and with the mistakes I have made, I have learned and I have become the player and person I am today. Change is positive, as long as it is for the better, and I am no longer the same as before.”
What is the difference between PSG and Real Madrid?
“They are very different clubs, with different histories. PSG is a much younger club, while Real Madrid is much older and has a deeper history. The culture is also different. Without a doubt, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, but Paris is also among the best. They are two different ways of understanding football and I am proud to have been part of both.”
Does Cristiano Ronaldo think he can improve his numbers here?
“I don’t know how to answer this question. Everyone knows that Cristiano is a point of reference in Madrid, number one. I’ve been here for a year and a half and he’s been here for 9 seasons. I can’t compare myself to what he’s done. My path is different. Just being mentioned alongside Cristiano is a source of pride, but I’m only thinking about making my own way, helping the team and winning as many titles as possible.”
Surprised by Arda Güler’s class?
“No, I’m not surprised. He is a young player with a lot of talent, ready to help the team. He has started the season in an impressive way for his age. He has a magical touch that enchants the Bernabéu fans. I only wish him to continue like this, because he can be very important for us and I am happy to play alongside him.”
Champions League, World Cup, Ballon d’Or… What are your goals for this year?
“I’m very competitive, I want to fight for everything. I don’t have to choose just one goal. It will be difficult, but I want to win everything and give my all in every competition.”
How do you concentrate for 90 minutes and stay 100%?
“We are never 100%. There is always something that stops you from giving your best, but this is not an excuse. My goal is always to give the best version of myself, respect the club, the fans and the team and prepare as best I can. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes not, but you have to give your best.”
How is your relationship with Xabi Alonso?
“I’ve had many coaches and I’m used to everyone having their own philosophy and style.
Do you have any goal goals for this year after 31 in the last Liga and 44 last season?
“No, I have never set a number as a limit. My goal is to take every opportunity to score and help the team. The more goals I can score, the more titles we can win. My priority is always to give my contribution to the team, whether it’s scoring goals or doing anything else that allows us to win. This is the most important thing and I will do it one hundred percent.”
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