Florentino Pérez: “Camavinga was wanted by Europe’s biggest clubs, but wanted to defend our badge”

Eduardo Camavinga has signed his contract with Real Madrid, one which will run until 2027, and the midfielder has been welcomed to the club by Florentino Pérez. The club president spoke to a small audience of club directors and Camavinga’s friends and family at Valdebebas, explaining why Los Blancos are so excited to have completed the player’s transfer from Rennes.

Pérez started: “Good afternoon and welcome to the Real Madrid Sports City. Today, this club welcomes a young French player who I firmly believe will show his talent, strength and a desire to succeed. Along with his family, he has fought to achieve one of his great dreams. Camavinga and his family know how tough this journey has been and the sacrifices made along the way. Since he was young, he has fought to one day wear the Real Madrid shirt. That moment to wear the Real Madrid shirt has arrived.”

The president continued: “Even at 18 years of age, he was wanted by several of Europe’s biggest clubs. Camavinga wanted to defend this badge. We have known about his great qualities since two years ago, despite his young age. That’s why we’re all here to welcome Eduardo Camavinga as a Real Madrid player. Welcome.”

Pérez then turned to address the player directly. He started: “Dear Eduardo, you’re now a Real Madrid player. You’ll never forget this day. You come from a club that is a friend of ours, Rennes. You debuted in Ligue 1 at just 16 years of age. Aged 17 and nine months, you became the youngest player to debut for France since 1914. Now, just 18, you’ll wear the Real Madrid shirt, representing one of the most admired and respected clubs in the world. You’re at the club of 13 European Cups. You’ll defend a club that represents the most titles in football and millions of supporters around the world. This is a very special day for you and for all of your family. They’re the ones who love you the most and I know they’ll be thinking special emotions. Here, you won’t be alone. Our fans will support you in every match.”

Concluding his speech, Pérez also spoke about the club’s return to the Bernabéu this Sunday for the LaLiga Santander match against Celta Vigo. The president said: “The pandemic has stopped us from being with our fans, but we’re slowly getting back to normality. We haven’t had our fans at the Bernabeu since 1st March 2020. Now, finally, this Sunday we’ll be back with some of our fans. Football is coming back to the Bernabéu and it’s exciting to say that after so many sad and strange months.”