Kylian Mbappe lauded Cristiano Ronaldo as a “legend” ahead of France’s Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown with Portugal. Mbappe will play for Ronaldo’s former team Real Madrid after the tournament in Germany, but the France striker has stated that he prefers to take his “own route” rather than that of the Portugal great.
France striker, Kylian Mbappe referred to Cristiano Ronaldo as a “legend” ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Portugal on Friday.
Mbappe, like Ronaldo, joined Real Madrid in the summer with the goal of leading his country to international success.
The 25-year-old described it as a “honour” to share the pitch with the Portugal forward, whom he admired as a child.
“It’s a true honour; everyone knows how much I respect him,” Mbappe said during a news conference on Thursday. “He is still a legend, and we remain in communication, but I’m hoping we can win tomorrow.
“We have to appreciate who he is and what he has done – he is a unique player. His CV speaks for itself.”
Aside from a penalty in the shoot-out win over Slovenia, Ronaldo has yet to score in the Euros but Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has held firm in his selection of the 39-year-old, despite suggestions that his inclusion alters the tactical approach and balance of the team.
Mbappe joined Madrid this summer after seven years with Paris Saint-Germain, and when asked if he hopes to follow in the footsteps of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ronaldo, the France striker stated he must make his own legacy.
“There is only one of him,” he explained. “I just want to follow my own path. I hope to write a great story in Madrid, but it will be different.
“There is only one of him,” he explained. “I just want to follow my own path. I hope to write a great story in Madrid, but it will be different.
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France has not been in their finest form this summer, with two own goals and a Mbappe penalty meaning no French player has scored from open play. They have remained sturdy, conceding only one goal, a Robert Lewandoski penalty goal.
Some individuals may be unhappy, but I have seen joyful people. “It is definitely more exciting to win 5-4,” he remarked.
“The critics are there to do their jobs. They have always been a part of my daily routine. Today, it does not prevent me from living peacefully
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