Kylian Mbappe broke his silence after Real Madrid’s clash with Real Oviedo, revealing he was fit to start but remains only the fourth option in Arbeloa’s attacking plans.
After three weeks out injured, Kylian Mbappe made his return to the Santiago Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s match against Oviedo. Recovering from a fracture in the distal phalanx of his right foot’s fifth toe, the Frenchman was greeted with boos as he stepped onto the pitch in the 69th minute. He replaced Gonzalo Garcia, who exited to applause, while Mbappe faced a frosty reception.
In a candid appearance in the mixed zone, Mbappe addressed the crowd’s reaction. “This is the kind of game I love to play. It was disappointing to miss the Barcelona match. That’s life. I always score against them. I can’t change how people feel when they’re upset. I try not to take it personally. That’s part of being a Real Madrid player, especially with my profile,” he remarked.
Mbappe also clarified his absence from Madrid during his recovery. “The club authorized my time away. I wasn’t the only player who wasn’t in Madrid. As a player, it’s not always about understanding decisions but accepting them. I know I can turn this situation around,” he said, referring to his recovery period in Italy.
The forward shed light on why he didn’t start, pointing directly to coach Arbeloa. “I feel great, I’m at one hundred percent. I didn’t start because the coach told me I’m the fourth-choice striker. I accept that and make the most of the minutes I get. I provided an assist for Jude, and staying positive is always key,” he explained.
“I was ready to start. I’m not angry with the coach; respecting the manager’s decisions is essential. I’ll keep working hard to reclaim my spot in the starting eleven,” he concluded.
