Portugal defender Nuno Mendes is excited at the challenge of facing France star Kylian Mbappe at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old played with the new Real Madrid forward at Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons but will now have the task of stopping him as his country seek a place in the semi-finals.
He will have to lean on the experience of international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo instead if he gets the nod to start on Friday and says he respects both stars equally.
He said: “They are high-level, excellent players who can make a difference at any moment.
“I shared a dressing room with both of them and it was a pleasure to play with Mbappé and play with Cristiano.
“They are incredible, from one moment to the next they make a difference.
“I don’t think he will be playing on my flank, but if it happens I’m prepared.
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“I train every day for these moments and we are prepared to face them.
“They have high-level players, but we also have great players.
Quarter-finalists confirmed ✅
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“We need to do everything we can to cancel France’s strengths and play our game.”
France have yet to score a goal from open play at Euro 2024.
Their only strikes have been two own-goals and a penalty and while it may be an issue for Les Blues, Mendes says it is a good thing for Portugal.
He added: “I think it’s good for us, it’s a good indicator.
“They are players who have the scent for goals, both Mbappe and [PSG forward Ousmane] Dembele. They like to look for the goal.
“It depends on them and it depends on us, to do our best so that they don’t score goals.”
