Real Madrid officially unveiled Aurelien Tchouamen at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday morning after completing his big-money move from Monaco to Real Madrid.
The Spanish Champions paid €100 million for the service for the 22 years old French international. The French midfielder was assigned the number 18 jersey previously won by Gareth Bale.
Real Madrid had to beat competition from Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool. Aurelien Tchouamen was one of the sought-after players in Europe after helping Monaco finish third in French Ligue One.
Aurelien Tchouaman has revealed at his unveiling that National teammate Kylian Mbappe tried to convince him to join him at Paris Saint Germain.
What did Aurelien Tchouamen say about Paris Saint Germain’s interest?
In an interview with the club’s official website, Tchouamen said: “Kylian decided to stay at PSG and he already knew I was going to leave Monaco and wanted to know if I could go to PSG, but I told him I wanted Madrid and he understood perfectly.
“I have been lucky enough to speak with [Karim] Benzema and [Eduardo] Camavinga. In the case of Camavinga, we have seen how he has improved in his first year and I am going to be lucky enough to play for the club with the best striker in the world. When the negotiations progressed, he wrote to me and asked me if he could help me.
“I now want to leave a mark on football and the best club for this is Real Madrid. It’s the best decision for me. I try to be the best on the field. The price of the signing doesn’t interest me at all.”
The Real Madrid new number 18 added:” I’m very happy to be here to start my story with Real Madrid, the best team in the world. We are going to work hard to continue winning many titles for this club.
“When I watched the games against PSG and (Manchester) City I wrote to my agent and told him, “Do everything possible to get me there, please”.’
“Thanks to the president, my agent, and my family. Hala Madrid! When I was young I used to watch the Real Madrid players. Casemiro has an incredible career.
“Hopefully I can also win five European Cups. ‘I remember Zidane in 2006. I’ve paid a lot of attention to Benzema too. They are my two French idols.’
“I’ve played a lot with the 8, but right now it belongs to Kroos. I asked for available numbers and chose the one that looked the most like it.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez also heaped praises on the French international saying: “He is one of the best midfielders in the world and today he arrives at Real Madrid. At 22 years old you were able to choose your club and you have chosen this one.”
