Kylian Mbappé has spoken warmly of his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo as France prepares to face Portugal in a crucial Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash.
The French captain, known for his longstanding appreciation of Ronaldo, recalled a memorable encounter with the Portuguese legend back in 2012 at Real Madrid’s training ground.
“It’s truly an honor, everyone knows the respect I have for him,” Mbappé shared during a press conference in Hamburg ahead of Friday’s match. “He is still a legend, and we stay in touch. But tomorrow, my hope is that we can win.”
France’s journey in Euro 2024 has been filled with challenges, with the team yet to score from open play in four games.
Their progression has relied heavily on penalties and own goals, prompting criticism about their performance.
Portugal, on the other hand, seems to be doing fine in the tournament despite recent criticism.
In response to the scrutiny, French manager Didier Deschamps remained composed, acknowledging the mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
“There are people who may not be happy, but I’ve seen happy people,” Deschamps remarked. “Criticism is part of my daily life, but it doesn’t affect my peace of mind.”
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
