As the Real Madrid player arrived to meet with supporters and players of his struggling Ligue 2 club SM Caen, Kylian Mbappe stated he understands the ire of supporters.

Less than twenty-four hours after his incredible hat-trick helped Real Madrid eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League, Mbappe landed in Caen on Thursday.

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Given that the French team is currently facing the possibility of their first relegation to the third division in forty-one years, the Real Madrid star could have anticipated a different reception in Caen.

Caen, a traditional Ligue 1 mainstay and usually among the best clubs in the division, is currently at the bottom of the standings and 11 points from safety.

After he fired club legend Nicolas Seube as manager, they recently unfurled a sign warning him that “SMC is not your toy.”

After losing again last month, supporters stormed the field to face the players and officials.

Mbappe’s arrival followed Tuesday’s decision to fire Bruno Baltazar, his second manager, with Michel Der Zakarian officially taking his place.

The 26-year-old told reporters that he has come to support the squad and that he believes they can change their situation.

It’s critical that I’m present. Mbappe stated, “I want to be in touch with everyone, show my support, and let them know that they can rely on me, especially given the circumstances we’re in.”

“I’m here because I think the project is a good one.” I wished I could have arrived sooner, but I couldn’t. They had to believe me when I informed them that I was with them. And I noticed a group that wants to alter the outcomes and has not quit.

“I hope that this is a turning point because I believe that things can change with the quality of the team and the support of the fans.” We have seen that nothing is impossible in football.

Although there is a lack of confidence, I believe that a successful outcome can reverse the team’s downward trajectory. I have personally told them that I understand their displeasure because I have never experienced this firsthand.

“It’s normal to feel angry, but our goal is to give it our all, and the stadium is packed with supporters.”

In the video that Caen published, Mbappe was seen welcoming club supporters and signing autographs.

Over the summer, Mbappe paid £12.6 million to purchase the bulk of Caen through Interconnected Ventures, which was established by the Real Madrid player and its investment arm, Coalition Capital.

With an average of 15,000 fans attending the Stade Michel-d’Ornano, Caen is a proud club close to the northern coast of France with the greatest attendance numbers in the French second division.

Over the years, players including Thomas Lemar, William Gallas, and N’Golo Kante have worn the shirt.

In a BBC documentary, Caen scout David Lasry disclosed that the team had approached Mbappe at the age of 13.

According to reports, Mbappe’s father acknowledged that they had decided to let their son join the Normandy-based team.

However, when Caen was demoted from Ligue 1 to the second division in 2012, the agreement fell through.

Instead, Mbappe would enroll in Monaco’s academy. The striker would eventually make his debut in the first team before joining PSG.