Real Madrid summer signing Ibrahima Konat\u00e9 has received an early message of support from a former Liverpool teammate following his first training session with his new club.<\/p>\n
The French defender officially began a new chapter in his career this week after joining Real Madrid on a long-term contract following the expiration of his deal with Liverpool.<\/p>\n
Konat\u00e9 had been given an extended vacation after representing France at the World Cup, meaning he only linked up with Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s squad at Valdebebas for the first time earlier this week.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old marked the occasion by sharing a post on his official Instagram account, celebrating the beginning of what promises to be an important new stage in his career.<\/p>\n
Among those quick to react was former Liverpool teammate and fellow Frenchman Hugo Ekitike, who left a short but significant message for Konat\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Ekitike took to the comments section of Konat\u00e9\u2019s Instagram post and simply wrote:<\/p>\n
\u201cProud!\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The brief message immediately highlighted the connection between the two French internationals, who previously shared the Liverpool dressing room and will now watch each other\u2019s careers develop from different clubs.<\/p>\n
For Konat\u00e9, the move to Madrid represents a major step after his time at Anfield. The defender has now officially begun working under Mourinho as Real Madrid prepare for the new season.<\/p>\n
His arrival also adds another high-profile French player to a Real Madrid squad that already boasts a strong French presence.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ekitike remains at Liverpool after previously sharing the pitch and dressing room with Konat\u00e9. His public message offered a glimpse of the relationship that remains between the two players despite their careers now taking different paths.<\/p>\n
Konat\u00e9\u2019s first appearance at Valdebebas therefore marked more than just the beginning of preseason preparations. It was the first official step into his new life at Real Madrid, with one of his former teammates making sure to publicly show his support.<\/p>\n
\nEkitike x Konate. \ud83e\udd1d\ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 pic.twitter.com\/M1A3wpgcoR<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 10, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n