Headline: Real Madrid Welcomes Ibrahima Konate in Low-Key Ceremony
The third official presentation of Real Madrid’s summer signings occurred today, marking the turn of Ibrahima Konate after manager Jose Mourinho and Bernardo Silva were welcomed earlier this week.
The official welcome ceremony for the French defender took place at the Real Madrid Sports City, continuing the club’s trend of low-key presentations rather than the lavish events characteristic of the past.
President Florentino Perez welcomed Konate in the boardroom, where the defender signed a contract binding him to the club for four years, lasting until June 30, 2030. Post-signing, Konate received several gifts, including a replica of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a watch, and a jersey featuring his name and the number 16.
Honorary Real Madrid president Jose Martínez Pirri also attended the ceremony.
After his presentation, Konate shared his excitement as a new member of Real Madrid during an interview with Real Madrid TV. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “It means a lot to me because the first shirt I ever had was the Real Madrid shirt, which was a gift from my older brother.” He expressed his long-held dream of playing for the club, adding, “From that moment on, I always dreamed of playing for this fantastic team and today I’m very happy to be living that dream.”
Konate acknowledged the high expectations that come with wearing the Real Madrid jersey, asserting, “I’m here to fight for this team with everything I have, both on and off the pitch.” He also shared his feelings about witnessing the team’s impressive collection of 15 European Cups, reflecting, “I feel great. I only regret one, the one in Paris in 2022, because I was playing for Liverpool at the time and Madrid won that Champions League again.”
As he looks forward to his future with Real Madrid, he stated, “I want to be part of Real Madrid’s history and I want to win trophies, win the Champions League with this team and be part of its history forever.” He expressed gratitude to the president and everyone involved for making his dream a “reality,” concluding with a pledge: “I promise to give everything for this shirt.”
Konate joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after opting not to renew his contract with Liverpool, providing manager Mourinho with much-needed depth in a position that faced considerable injury challenges last season. Currently, the French international is anticipated to start alongside Dean Huijsen in the upcoming La Liga opener against RCD Espanyol.
The third official presentation of the summer arrivals at Real Madrid took place today. After manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday and Bernardo Silva yesterday, it was Ibrahima Konate’s turn.
The Real Madrid Sports City hosted the official welcome ceremony for the French defender as a new Real Madrid player continuing the new trend of a low-key ceremony, moving from the grand presentations the club used to do in the past.
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Konate presented as new Real Madrid player
President Florentino Perez received him in the boardroom, where the defender signed a contract that will keep him at the club for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030.
After signing, Konate received a replica of the Santiago Bernabeu, a watch and a shirt bearing his name and the number 16.
Konate’s presentation finally took place. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Honorary Real Madrid president Jose Martínez Pirri also attended the ceremony.
Konate speaks
Following the official presentation, Konate briefly spoke to Real Madrid TV, wherein he explained what it meant for him to be a Real Madrid player.
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“It means a lot to me because the first shirt I ever had was the Real Madrid shirt, which was a gift from my older brother,” he recollected.
“From that moment on, I always dreamed of playing for this fantastic team and today I’m very happy to be living that dream.
“I know the club has very high expectations of anyone who wears this shirt and I’m here to fight for this team with everything I have, both on and off the pitch.”
On what it felt like seeing Real Madrid’s 15 European Cups lined up together, he added:
“I feel great. I only regret one, the one in Paris in 2022, because I was playing for Liverpool at the time and Madrid won that Champions League again.”
Eyeing more success with Real Madrid. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
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Continuing, he added: “I want to be part of Real Madrid’s history and I want to win trophies, win the Champions League with this team and be part of its history forever.”
He then thanked the president and everyone involved, in perfect Spanish, for making his dream a “reality.”
Concluding, Konate said: “I promise to give everything for this shirt.”
Konate joined Real Madrid for free after choosing not to renew his contract with Liverpool.
With his signing, Mourinho gains greater depth in a position that was severely affected by injuries last season.
As things stand, the French international could start alongside Dean Huijsen in Saturday’s La Liga opener vs RCD Espanyol.
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