Kylian Mbappe expressed his relief at ending his wait for a first La Liga goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis.
Mbappe attracted plenty of criticism after failing to find the back of the net in his first three games in Spain’s top flight, but the summer signing finally silenced his doubters as he netted twice for Los Blancos in a much-needed win.
“It was a great moment,” Mbappe reflected. “I had been hoping to score in this legendary stadium, which I consider the best in the world.
“I feel great here. I’ve said it since I arrived, I’m happy. The fans and everyone at the club have shown me a lot of affection, even when I wasn’t scoring.
“For some players, three games without a goal might not seem like much, but for me, it felt like a lot. Still, the support from the club and the fans has been incredible. It gives me the confidence to give my all for this club and its badge.”
Central to the criticism of Mbappe had been his ability to work alongside fellow superstar Vinicius Junior, with many suggesting the pair could not play together. However, those doubts disappeared as the Brazilian handed Mbappe the chance to net his second from the penalty spot.
“We are young and famous, it’s normal for people to talk about us,” Mbappe said about his relationship with Vinicius. “The coach says that we both take penalties. I don’t want to force things, that’s not my mentality.”
Finally, Mbappe rejected claims the pressure of becoming Madrid’s next Cristiano Ronaldo had weighed him down.
“I don’t feel the pressure,” he stressed. “I don’t think about Cristiano, with all due respect to him.
“Cristiano is my idol, yes. But no, I don’t want to follow anything. I don’t want that pressure. I want to be Kylian. I only have the pressure of having to adapt to the team.”
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