Alvaro Arbeloa has come out fighting in defence of Kylian Mbappe.
The France captain continues to be questioned by leading voices in the Real Madrid media-sphere with leading TV host Josep Pedrerol recently saying Mbappe doesn’t understand the club.
His comments echoed that of another key voice in Tomas Roncero, who says that Mbappe is yet to win over the fans as he doesn’t show the vulnerability and hard work of stars like Vinicius Jr.
In response, Arbeloa said: “He knows perfectly well what Real Madrid is, I have no doubt about that.
“He’s a boy who has always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid. We’ve all seen those images of a young Mbappé in a Real Madrid jersey, dreaming of playing for Real.
“He did everything to come here; it wasn’t easy. You can ask me that question again after the two matches against Bayern.”
Questioned again, a more annoyed Arbeloa responded: “You can say what you want, what matters to me is what I think.
“Having Mbappé in the team is an incredible opportunity. I don’t know if any coach in the world wouldn’t love to have him.
“Defenders who face Real Madrid have to defend against Mbappé, Vinicius, Valverde, Bellingham… They are among the best players in the world.
“They have earned this status through their performances. And it’s a privilege to be able to have them.”
What was said about Mbappe?
Backing claims that Mbappe doesn’t get Madrid and the fans, Pedrerol said: “Mbappé is very good, but Mbappé hasn’t understood Real Madrid.
“I think Mbappé-Football Club is very good, but I think he hasn’t understood Real Madrid, what Madrid is.
“He should take into account the criticism coming from Europe, like Arbeloa does, and understand that it’s very important. When he says: ‘I don’t run because… haha, Tchouaméni, haha Hakimi… I don’t run…’”
“Real Madrid fans want Mbappé to pull himself together, to be smart. I understand Luis Enrique’s message. Arbeloa, echo Luis Enrique’s words.”
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