Now regarded as one of the best players in the world, Mbappé recently joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The France international reportedly received a large signing-on fee and is now the highest-paid player at the Spanish club.
In an interview with Spanish sports newspaper AS, de la Red discussed Mbappé’s trial at Real Madrid: “Everyone always wants to know that from me. It was like with every other boy who trained with us. Every now and then you had players who you now say ‘Look what he’s become’. But he must have worked hard for that afterwards.”
De la Red explained further: “Zidane recommended him because he knew him. Mbappé already had these little things: speed and dribbling.
“Physically, he was very thin and small. He had not yet made that leap in development – and in the end, it is difficult to predict whether you will make it as a professional when you are only 12 or 13. Many players like Mbappé have already fallen by the wayside.”
When asked if he expected Mbappé to succeed, de la Red said: “He (Mbappé) himself did not expect it – and neither did anyone else. It has been shown time and again that only very few make it as a professional. And even more so to Mbappé’s level. This is a marathon for every young player, where they have been lucky and worked hard.”
Currently, Mbappé is preparing with France for the European Championship in Germany. The French team will face Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland in the group stage.
The World Cup winner cupped an injury last night that could keep him out of France’s opening game at the Euros during their goalless draw against Canada in a friendly.
Source:
AS
