Kylian Mbappe has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as “unique” ahead of France's quarter-final clash with Portugal on Friday, adding that he and the 39-year-old keep in touch regularly.
Mbappé's fondness for Ronaldo is well known: the France captain posted a photo of himself meeting his then-hero at Madrid's training ground in 2012, when his recent free transfer to Real Madrid was announced.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Hamburg game on Thursday, Mbappé said of Ronaldo: “It's a real honour, everyone knows the respect I have for him. He remains a legend and we are in contact, but I hope we can win tomorrow.”
“We have to value who he is and what he has done. He is a unique player. His CV speaks for itself.”
Asked if he wanted to replicate Ronaldo after his move to Madrid, where the Portuguese star is the all-time top scorer, Mbappe added: “There is only one like him. I just want to follow my own path.”
“I hope to write a great story in Madrid but it will be different.”
Mbappé and France have struggled to form a strong showing at Euro 2024. They have yet to score from open play in four games, relying on a penalty from the former Paris Saint-Germain man and own goals to advance (the most recent coming from Jan Vertonghen in a tight round of 16 clash with Belgium).
The lack of fluid football has created murmurs of discontent in France, although coach Didier Deschamps did not appear concerned at the news conference.
“There are people who may not be happy, but I have seen happy people. It is more exciting to win 5-4, that's for sure,” he said.
“Critics are there to do their job. They have always been part of my daily life. Today, that doesn't stop me from living in peace.”
