Kylian Mbappe says it will be an honour to play against Cristiano Ronaldo when France and Portugal lock horns in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday.
Mbappe completed a high-profile move this summer to Real Madrid, who Ronaldo won four Champions League titles with between 2009 and 2018.
“It’s the admiration I’ve always had for Cristiano, for the player. Over time, I’ve had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We’re still in touch,” said Mbappe.
“He’s always trying to give me advice and keep up to date with what’s going on. Playing against him is an honour for everything he’s done in football.
“No matter what happened before or what happens after, he’ll always be a legend of the game. But of course we hope to win and reach the semi-finals.”
🗣️ Kylian Mbappé: “No matter what happens in EUROs, if Cristiano Ronaldo wins or loses tomorrow, if he plays well or not. With someone like him you’re not looking at details anymore. He’s a legend, big respect for everything he has done. He inspired a generation, including me.” pic.twitter.com/OwFC8jf2xj
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 4, 2024
Ronaldo, regarded as one of football’s greatest ever players, recently revealed this summer’s Euros would be his last Euros.
Mbappe will take on the baton when he and Lionel Messi retire and Friday’s clash in Hamburg has been described as a “handover” between the two greats.
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“There will only be one [Ronaldo] I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to start living my dream as a player in Madrid,” the France captain added.
“I hope I’ll write a great story there, but I’m certainly not going there to write the rest of Cristiano’s story. What he did in Madrid is unique.
“You have to appreciate what he has been, what he is. I’ve never been an envious person, so I just want to admire the greatness of the player.
“He left his mark on the history of football. He inspired generations. He has scored many goals and won many titles. So his CV speaks for itself.”
