Kylian Mbappe returned to action for Real Madrid in their 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday. The French forward, who had been sidelined with a muscle injury, came on as a second-half substitute at the Bernabeu, where he was met with some boos and jeers from the crowd.
Following the match, Mbappe spoke to the press to address the intense scrutiny he has faced in recent weeks. Speaking in the mixed zone at the Bernabeu, he commented on the whistles from Real Madrid supporters and his recent trip to Italy.
“It’s a shame not to play in El Clasico, a match that I love because I always score. It was a shame. But the whistlesโฆ it is life. We cannot change the opinion of angry people. It is a way of expressing their opinion and you should not take it personally. Iโve been whistled many times in my career. Itโs the life of a Real Madrid player, and especially someone famous like me.
I donโt know (why they whistled). I had the clubโs authorisation not to be in Madrid and I wasnโt the only one in the squad who wasnโt there (at El Clasico). But these are things that must be accepted. We must look ahead and change it.โ
Mbappe on Arbeloa: “I don’t have any problems with him”
Mbappe was asked about not starting against Oviedo, and he shared his perspective on comments attributed to Alvaro Arbeloa about his place in the team’s pecking order.
โAsk the coach. I was ready to start, but itโs his decision. He told me Iโm the fourth attacker in the squad. I canโt be angry with him; you have to respect their opinion. I have to work and wait to be a starter.
I donโt have any problems with (Arbeloa). Iโm not going to have a problem with not playing. You have to accept the coachโs idea because everyone has their own ideas and philosophy. I have to work to be better than Vini, Mastantuono and Gonzalo.โ
Mbappe: “Florentino Perez is the best president in the world”
Mbappe also expressed his support for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who has also faced significant criticism recently.
โThe president is the best president in the world, the best in the history of Real Madrid. It is difficult how he has been treated. You canโt forget what he has done. Itโs an honour to have him at the club.โ
