Mbappe, Bellingham react after Real Madrid 3-1 Man City – ‘Want to mark an era’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe was the hero for Real Madrid against Manchester City last night in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League meeting.

Having carried forward a 3-2 lead from the first leg, the Frenchman scored a stunning hat-trick on the night to help the team progress to the Round of 16 with ease.

The men in white will now face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next round and it remains to be seen which opponent they lock horns with in the upcoming draw.

Mbappe’s golden words

Speaking to the media after his special game-winning hat-trick against Manchester City, Mbappe opened up on his feelings and how special it was to him.

Kylian Mbappe had a perfect night against Man City. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“It was a perfect night for the team and we wanted to win to reach the round of 16. When you play against Manchester City it’s always a difficult game,” he began, putting the team first.

“At home we are strong, we play collectively in the best way and we give joy to all Madrid fans,” he added.

Mbappe then spoke on how the team must keep going as they are and win games on demand to progress forward.

“It was a great day for us and the team. We have to continue like this if we want to win what we want to earn.”

Last night, the Frenchman made it clear that he is here to stay and to win. When asked about the secret behind his winning mentality, he said,

“I didn’t want to come here to play poorly. I want to play well, mark an era and write the history of Real Madrid. The adaptation time is over and I have to play with personality.”

“I have no limits, but the most important thing is to win titles. I have scored goals in my career, but I have not won many titles. I sign with blood to score many goals and win many titles,” he added on his dreams.

Real Madrid will now face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16, and Mbappe did not shy away from either opposition.

“Atletico and Bayer Leverkusen are two great and very complicated teams. For me, it’s better that we get Atlético because that way we don’t travel.”

“Both will be difficult, but Atletico would be difficult without travelling,” he added.

Kylian Mbappe wants to face Atletico Madrid next. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

A true Madridista all his life, it was immensely special for the French star to score a hat-trick for the club in the UEFA Champions League.

“It was a dream since I was a child to play a great European night with this club. We qualified for the round of 16 after a great game and we are excited because we have played as a team,” he said when asked about the same.

Mbappe’s interview then took him into speaking on what made the win over Manchester City special and he pointed out that the quality of the opposition spoke for itself.

“It has been a great night against a great rival because it is one of the best teams in the world. It was an important game and scoring three goals makes it an important night.”

“This is the kind of match we want to have. People talked to me about these nights and now I can see it with my eyes and I hope I can live many more,” he added.

The hat-trick hero then assured the media that he has the confidence in himself that he can keep his form going.

“I have maximum confidence in myself. If I can score 50 goals, great, and if I can score more, the better.”

“But for me, the most important thing is to be a Real Madrid player, more than a Ballon d’Or,” he added.

Speaking on his role model, Mbappe praised club legend Zinedine Zidane.

“He is an idol for me, more so being French and a Madrid player. He represents many things and if he smiles with my game I am the happiest boy in the world.”

Finally, he thanked Real Madrid fans for the love they showered on him.

“I want to thank the Madrid fans for their affection. Before signing for Real Madrid I had their affection and now that I am their player, much more.”

Bellingham gives his thoughts

Jude Bellingham praised Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham was the next player to face the media after the special night and he too praised the team for their performance.

“It has been one of the times that we have played best, very comfortable from the beginning and the advantage of the goal in the first leg has allowed us to play like this.”

Praising Mbappe for his match-winning performance, the English youngster said,

“Mbappe is very special, the world knows it and he doesn’t stop showing it. He is a better person than a player and we are going to benefit from his goals.”

Communicating his trust in the dressing room, Bellingham warned the world that Real Madrid were returning to their best.

“Everyone should be scared after what we have seen. We had the same confidence from the beginning and did not care about the rival.”

“We completed a magnificent performance,” he added.

Finally, the attacking midfielder was asked his opinion on Manchester City and their slump in form, to which he said,

“There are moments in each season. They have had moments in which they have not played so well, but they have had injuries and this can happen in soccer.”

“We respect them a lot, they are not at their best level but they are very dangerous and we knew we had to be careful,” he added.

Source: Real Madrid website