Konate Sends First Message as a Real Madrid Player

Ibrahima Konate has begun life at Real Madrid, and the France defender wasted no time in speaking to supporters. Konate reported for his first training session at Valdebebas on Monday and marked the moment with a message on social media that summed up his excitement at pulling on the white shirt.

The centre-back arrived from Liverpool on a free transfer, one of six summer signings brought in as José Mourinho rebuilds his squad. He linked up with the World Cup contingent who returned to pre-season on Monday, and made his intentions clear in a post shared on Instagram.

“Day one. A new chapter begins. Proud to wear this crest, ready to work, and ready to give everything.”

Ibrahima Konate

Konate ready to fight for his place

Konate joins a crowded backline that already includes Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, so minutes will have to be earned under Mourinho. His experience, physical power and pace across open ground should give the Portuguese another strong option as he settles on his defensive structure for the new season.

A first look in white could come as soon as Wednesday, when Real Madrid meet Deportivo La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy before their LaLiga campaign gets under way.