Real Madrid's new signing Aurelien Tchouameni said Kylian Mbappe asked if he would sign for Paris Saint-Germain, as the 22-year-old was unveiled at Madrid's training ground on Tuesday.
Madrid won the race to sign Tchouameni, one of the world's most highly-rated midfielders, from Monaco in a deal worth around 100 million euros.
His arrival comes after Mbappe rejected Real Madrid to sign a three-year contract at PSG. Madrid have also signed Antonio Rudiger this summer, the defender joining from Chelsea on a free transfer. "Kylian decided to stay at PSG and he already knew I was going to leave Monaco at the end of the season," Tchouameni said in a press conference, after being introduced by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. "He wanted to know if I would go to PSG but I told him Real Madrid was my first choice and he understood that completely, he was very happy for me." Tchouameni has signed a six-year contract at Real Madrid after being linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League. "As soon as Madrid arrived, I didn't hesitate," he said. "I want to leave my mark on football and the best club for this is Real Madrid.
It's the best decision for me." He said Real Madrid's sensational comebacks in the Champions League against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City helped him make up his mind.