France captain Kylian Mbappe shared his admiration for Portugal’s veteran Cristiano Ronaldo before their Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash on Friday. Mbappe revealed he has always looked up to Ronaldo, for all of his success at the top level.

Ronaldo is regarded as one of the best players to have graced the sport as he has achieved almost everything in the sport whereas Mbappe has shown that he is the next big thing in the game.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday ahead of the game in Hamburg, Mbappé said of Ronaldo: “It’s truly an honour, 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.”

Asked if he wanted to replicate Ronaldo’s achievement at Real Madrid, Mbappe said he wants to enjoy his own journey.

“There is only one of him. Me, I just want to follow my own route. I hope I will write a great story at Madrid but it will be different.”

Meanwhile, France is yet to score a goal from open play in Euro 2024 in the four matches they have played.

“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.

“The critics, you are there to do your job. They have always been part of my daily life. Today, it does not stop me from living in peace.”

Mbappe will certainly hold the key for France against Portugal and so will Ronaldo for his team.