Kylian Mbappé returned to the pitch for Real Madrid in their 2-0 win against Real Oviedo on Thursday. The French forward, who had been sidelined due to a muscle injury, came on as a second-half substitute at the Bernabéu and was met with a mix of boos and jeers from the crowd.
Following the match, Mbappé spoke to the media in the Bernabéu mixed zone, addressing the intense scrutiny of the past few weeks. He commented on the whistles he received from Real Madrid supporters and his recent travels to Italy.
“It’s a shame not to play in El Clásico, a match I love because I always score. It was a shame. But the whistles… that’s life. We can’t change the opinion of angry people. It’s their way of expressing their opinion, and you shouldn’t take it personally. I’ve been whistled many times in my career. This is the life of a Real Madrid player, especially someone famous like me.
“I don’t know (why they whistled). I had the club’s authorization not to be in Madrid, and I wasn’t the only one in the squad who wasn’t there (at El Clásico). But these are things that must be accepted. We must look ahead and change it.”
Mbappé on Arbeloa: I don’t have any problems with him
When asked about not starting against Oviedo, Mbappé revealed his perspective on Álvaro Arbeloa’s assessment of his position in the squad.
“Ask the coach. I was ready to start, but it’s his decision. He told me I’m the fourth attacker in the squad. I can’t be angry with him; you have to respect their opinion. I have to work and wait to be a starter.
“I don’t have any problems with (Arbeloa). I’m not going to have a problem with not playing. You have to accept the coach’s idea because everyone has their own ideas and philosophy. I have to work to be better than Vini, Mastantuono, and Gonzalo.”
Mbappé: Florentino Pérez is the best president in the world
Mbappé also expressed his support for Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who has also faced significant criticism recently.
“The president is the best president in the world, the best in the history of Real Madrid. It’s difficult how he has been treated. You can’t forget what he has done. It’s an honor to have him at the club.”