Mbappé will emerge stronger at Real Madrid, says Didier Drogba

Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba has given his backing to the France skipper Kylian Mbappé, saying the 25-year-old will emerge a better player and person following a disappointing start to his career at Real Madrid.

“His adaptation from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid isn’t the easiest,” Drogba told RFI.

“But I'd rather have a difficult adaptation in Madrid than find myself in a situation where everything's easier,” added the 46-year-old, who played 105 times for Côte d'Ivoire scoring a record 65 goals.

Mbappé moved to the Spanish giants in the summer after seven years and 15 trophies at PSG.

However he has failed to make the expected splash in La Liga and the Champions League since the Spanish season began on 15 August.

Recalling his own transfer in 2004 from Marseille to a Chelsea side backed by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Drogba added: “I think Mbappé's going to learn a lot from this experience. I think he'll mature and that's going to benefit the France team, of course, and it's going to benefit him too.”

Mbappe says 'dream has come true' at Real Madrid inauguration

Mbappé’s transition hasn’t been without controversy.

Madrid's 3-2 victory in Italy took them to 20th place in the 36-team division in the group stages.

Read more on RFI English

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