Kylian Mbappe says it will likely be an ‘honour’ to face Cristiano Ronaldo as France and Portugal lock horns of their Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The 2 nations go head-to-head in Hamburg on Friday in a repeat of the Euro 2016 ultimate, which Portugal received 1-0 to seal their first-ever main worldwide trophy.
Mbappe left Paris Saint-Germain to hitch Actual Madrid this summer season; the membership the place Ronaldo scored 450 targets in 438 appearances between 2009 and 2018, successful 4 Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.
The 25-year-old Frenchman will hope to attain related greatness to Ronaldo on the Santiago Bernabeu however first, he’s relishing going up in opposition to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on the Euros.
“It’s the admiration I’ve all the time had for Cristiano, for the participant. Over time, I’ve had the possibility to get to know him and speak to him many instances. We’re nonetheless in contact,” stated Mbappe (by way of BBC Sport).
“He’s all the time attempting to provide me recommendation and preserve updated with what’s happening. Taking part in in opposition to him is an honour for all the pieces he’s performed in soccer.
“It doesn’t matter what occurred earlier than or what occurs after, he’ll all the time be a legend of the sport. However after all, we hope to win and attain the semi-finals.”
Mbappe: There’ll solely be one Ronaldo
Friday’s conflict can be considered by many as a passover second in Europe between the Ronaldo period and the time of Mbappe.
Nonetheless, Mbappe has little interest in emulating Ronaldo — which is maybe an unattainable job. As a substitute, he desires to make use of the years forward to jot down his personal story in Madrid.
“There’ll solely be one [Ronaldo] I used to be fortunate sufficient to have the chance to start out dwelling my dream as a participant in Madrid,” stated Mbappe.
“I hope I’ll write an excellent story there, however I’m actually not going there to jot down the remainder of Cristiano’s story. What he did in Madrid is exclusive.
“You must admire what he has been, what he’s. I’ve by no means been an envious individual, so I simply wish to admire the greatness of the participant.
“He left his mark on the historical past of soccer. He impressed generations. He has scored many targets and received many titles. So his CV speaks for itself.”
