With France set to meet Portugal in the quarter-finals of the 2024 UEFA European Championship on Friday night, Kylian Mbappe has now issued a message for Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is no secret that Ronaldo was one of the players Mbappe looked up to growing up, with the French superstar having previously admitted that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was his childhood hero.
The two are expected to share a pitch on Friday night, as Portugal will be making their seventh appearance in the EUROS quarter-finals, which is more than any team since 1996.
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Mbappe has since admitted that he has so much respect for the Al Nassr marksman, who recently confirmed that the tournament will be his last appearance at the EUROs.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is unique, an icon. He is someone who has inspired an entire generation," Mbappe said ahead of their clash against Portugal, according to Metro.
"It is an honour [to play against him]. Everyone knows about my admiration for Cristiano. His CV speaks for itself. There will never be another player like him.
"Respect to him, he remains a legend of the game, but I hope we win tomorrow and take a step closer to the final."
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''Against a team like Portugal, it is dangerous to say one player is more dangerous than the others," said Mbappe when asked to identify the biggest threat.
"The easy answer would be Cristiano Ronaldo but that's overlooking the great players everywhere else, like Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes, and my teammates from PSG. There is always a heavy price to pay for overlooking great players."
Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps remarked: "He has the ability not just the motivation within him he is looking for the win.
"He can score goals and be decisive. Even though a little older, he is still a highly competitive player."
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