France football superstar Kylian Mbappe praised his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and calling him “unique” ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Portugal in the ongoing 2024 European Championship. This highly anticipated match is a rematch of the 2016 final where Portugal triumphed over France. The admiration Mbappe holds for Ronaldo adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter making it one of the most talked-about fixtures of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is well-documented. Growing up, Mbappe childhood had posters of Ronaldo plastered on his bedroom walls, symbolizing his dream of one day emulating his hero. The 25-year-old Frenchman has often spoken about how Ronaldo influenced his career and motivated him to strive for greatness. This connection was vividly displayed when Mbappe posted a picture of himself with Ronaldo at Real Madrid’s training ground back in 2012, a moment that seemed to foreshadow his eventual move to the Spanish giants.
In a pre-match press conference, Mbappe expressed his reverence for Ronaldo. “It’s truly an honor, everyone knows the respect I have for him. 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,” Mbappe said, highlighting the mutual respect between the two footballing icons.
🗣️ Kylian Mbappé: “No matter what happens in EUROs, if Cristiano Ronaldo wins or loses tomorrow, if he plays well or not. With someone like him you’re not looking at details anymore. He’s a legend, big respect for everything he has done. He inspired a generation, including me.” pic.twitter.com/OwFC8jf2xj
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 4, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39 years old, continues to defy age and set new benchmarks in football. Recently, he became the first player to appear in six European Championships, a testament to his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level. This tournament is likely to be his last European Championship, considering that the next edition will take place in 2028, when Ronaldo will be 43 years old.
Ronaldo’s journey in the European Championships began in 2004, on home soil in Portugal. Since then, he has become the all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament’s history, with 14 goals to his name. Despite his age, Ronaldo’s presence on the field is still formidable, and he continues to chase records, aiming to become the oldest player to score in European Championship history.
While Ronaldo has yet to score from open play in the current tournament, he remains a crucial figure for Portugal. Similarly, Kylian Mbappe has faced challenges in finding his best form in the ongoing Euros. The French forward has struggled for fluency, managing just one goal from the penalty spot in four games. Nevertheless, Mbappe’s talent and potential make him a constant threat to any defense, and he is eager to make a significant impact in the knockout stages.
Adding to his challenges, Mbappe is expected to play in a mask during the quarterfinal clash after breaking his nose in the group stage. This injury has not diminished his determination, and fans are eager to see if he can overcome this setback and lead France to victory against Portugal.
The upcoming quarterfinal match between France and Portugal is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams boast a wealth of talent and have the potential to go all the way in the tournament. For France, the match is an opportunity to avenge their 2016 final defeat and reassert their dominance in European football. For Portugal, it is a chance to defend their title and further cement Ronaldo’s legacy.
As Mbappe and Ronaldo prepare to face off, the narrative of a possible passing of the baton from one footballing great to another adds to the excitement. Mbappe is widely regarded as the heir apparent to Ronaldo’s throne, and this match could be a symbolic moment in football history.
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The quarterfinal clash between France and Portugal is more than just a football match; it’s a showdown between two generations of footballing greatness. Kylian Mbappe’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo adds a layer of personal significance to the encounter, making it a must-watch event for fans worldwide. As these two giants of the game prepare to face off, the stage is set for a memorable and potentially historic match. Don’t miss out on any of the action—stay connected with OKBET for the sports betting in Philippines.
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