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Kylian Mbappé has disclosed that he maintained communication with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for a decade before ultimately completing his move to the Bernabéu.
The star forward brought one of football's most drawn-out transfer stories to a close when he officially joined Madrid in the summer of 2024 upon the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.
Two years prior, Mbappé had turned down advances from Spain and (at least temporarily) silenced speculation surrounding his future by penning a lucrative contract renewal in Paris. Nevertheless, Los Blancos' interest in the attacker stretches back to his teenage years, when the highly touted young talent chose to join Monaco's academy despite Madrid's efforts to recruit him.
Mbappé appeared to become something of an obsession for Pérez, who remained resolute in his determination not to let the Frenchman slip through his fingers.
Mbappé Grateful to 'Best President in the World' Pérez
In an interview with AS, Mbappé acknowledged that the galáctico-assembling Pérez was a pivotal figure in eventually securing his signature for Madrid, crediting his patience and persistence in pursuing the transfer over many years.
"He's the one who brought me here," Mbappé said. "We stayed in contact for 10 years before I arrived.
"He always showed warmth and understanding regardless of every decision made, whether it was positive or negative for Real Madrid.
"He always told me that one day I would wear the Real Madrid shirt, and here I am, and I couldn't be happier. That's why I owe him my gratitude for everything he has done and continues to do for me. He is the best president in the world."
Timing Was Key in Madrid Transfer
Although he is still awaiting his first major team honour at the club, Mbappé has more than justified the expectations on an individual basis at Madrid, claiming back-to-back Pichichi awards and netting 94 goals in 110 appearances to date.
Despite the decade-long will-they-won't-they narrative, Mbappé insisted there was "no doubt" in his mind about eventually joining Madrid and that "timing" was the sole reason he hadn't made the switch earlier.
"To be honest, nothing and no one needs to convince you to come to Real Madrid," he said.
"Throughout my history with Madrid, I wanted to come, but it wasn't possible, and ultimately, in football, there are moments and decisions that are beyond your control. In football, timing is everything, and you have to wait until all the pieces fall into place before you can make your move.
"Everyone close to me knew that at some point I would want to go to Real Madrid. There was never any doubt that I wanted to come, but sometimes when something isn't possible, you can't force it, and you have to accept the situation. Of course, there's disappointment, but a footballer's life is about moving forward, not dwelling on the past.
"No one had to convince me to come to Real Madrid, not even Florentino Pérez. It was a foregone conclusion."