Kylian Mbappe lauded Cristiano Ronaldo as a “legend” ahead of France’s Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown with Portugal. Upon the conclusion of the tournament in Germany, Mbappe will feature for Ronaldo’s former team Real Madrid, but the France striker insisted he wants to follow his “own route” as opposed to following that of the Portugal great.
France striker Kylian Mbappe branded Cristiano Ronaldo a “legend”, as the two are set to face off for France and Portugal respectively in their Euro 2024 quarter-final encounter on Friday.
Mbappe could be seen as following a similar trajectory to Ronaldo, after joining Real Madrid this summer while looking to fire his country to international glory.
The 25-year-old said it is an “honour” to share the pitch with the Portugal forward, who he idolised as a child.
France striker Kylian Mbappe branded Cristiano Ronaldo a “legend”, as the two are set to face off for France and Portugal respectively in their Euro 2024 quarter-final encounter on Friday.
Mbappe could be seen as following a similar trajectory to Ronaldo, after joining Real Madrid this summer while looking to fire his country to international glory.
The 25-year-old said it is an “honour” to share the pitch with the Portugal forward, who he idolised as a child
“It’s truly an honour, everyone knows the respect I have for him,” Mbappe told a news conference on Thursday. “He is still a legend and we are in contact but I hope tomorrow that we can win.
“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.
