Kylian Mbappe: ‘There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo’ | OneFootball

The past of Real Madrid comes face to face with the future when Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe square off in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals this week.

Indeed, Portugal, led by Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, will lock horns with Mbappe’s France in what will be a hugely-anticipated showdown.

It is no secret that Mbappe has always seen Ronaldo as his idol and has dreamt of emulating the Portugal captain’s career.

Ahead of their meeting at the Euros this week, Mbappe attended a press conference during which he was asked what it means for him to face Ronaldo, weeks after signing for Real Madrid.

“It’s an honour, everyone knows the admiration I have for him. We are always in contact. He will remain a legend of the game but we hope to win tomorrow,” said the France captain.

Ronaldo and Mbappe set to collide in the Euros. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Hailing the impact that Ronaldo has had on an entire generation, the Real Madrid new signing added:

“You have to appreciate what he has been and what he is. I just admire the greatness of the player. A unique player. He has marked the history of football, he has inspired generations. There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I respect him, but as I say, I hope that tomorrow he is not happy because we want to go to the semifinal.”

On whether he sees himself as Ronaldo’s successor at Real Madrid, Mbappe insisted that he wants to forge his own path at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying:

“Cristiano Ronaldo is unique. I have had the opportunity to start my dream of playing for Real Madrid. I hope to write my own story at Madrid. Cristiano’s story at Real Madrid was unique. I hope to do something unique. I only have praise for him.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo