EURO 2024
Mbappé calls Cristiano Ronaldo his “idol”; says “there won’t be anyone like him”
The France forward had plenty to say when asked about his political views, Cristiano Ronaldo, the mask and his Euro ambitions.
Kylian Mbappé spoke to the media in the run-up to the Euro 2024 quarter-final game between France and Portugal in Hamburg where the captain mentioned that the recent election results in France, where the far-right made significant gains, “were catastrophic”.
Going up against Cristiano Ronaldo: “It’s an honour to face Cristiano. Everyone knows the admiration I have for him. I have had the opportunity to talk to him. We are always in contact and he gives me a lot of advice. Playing against him is an honour. No matter what he has done in soccer, no matter what happens afterwards, he will remain a legend”.
The French elections: “I believe that more than ever we have to go out and vote. We cannot leave our country in the hands of these people. It is urgent. We saw the results, they were catastrophic. We really hope that it will change and that everyone will mobilise to vote and vote for the good side.”
What he admires about Cristiano Ronaldo: “You have to appreciate what he has been and what he is. I just admire the greatness of the player. He’s a unique player. There will be no one else like him. He has impacted the history of soccer, he has inspired generations. He has impacted a lot of people. I respect him, but as I say, I hope he’s not happy tomorrow because we want to go to the semi-final.”
Following in Ronaldo’s footsteps at Madrid : “As I say. He is unique. I have had the opportunity to start my dream of playing for Real Madrid. I hope to write the history of Madrid. But Cristiano’s history at Real Madrid was unique, I have nothing but praise for him.
On wearing the mask: “Without the mask I wouldn’t be able to play tomorrow. Thanks to it I can play. I will wear it until the end of the competition. I can only be thankful for it, because without it I wouldn’t play. Tomorrow I will try to give everything to perform”.
How the Euros are going: “There are great teams. In every match, every detail is important. It’s important to dominate the two areas, because that’s where the offensive and defensive differences are made. We have worked hard as tomorrow there will be two teams with the ambition to reach the semi-final. We are going to prepare as well as possible. There have been improvements in training, in terms of intensity and finishing. Everyone is happy. We are ready for tomorrow and we hope to play the game we need to win.
France’s ambitions of winning the tournament: “We have the ambition to win and to reach the semi-finals first. We have to get through the preliminary stages. Now we have a great team in front of us, Portugal, but we will play with a lot of ambition. For the moment, we are only focused on Portugal; what happened before or after doesn’t matter, because we have to perform to win tomorrow.
Why he attacks less space and depth: “A striker has to adapt to all the situations he has, to the characteristics of his teammates. Many people think I’m a different player, but we had a different team years ago. For example, there was Pogba, who when you went into space you knew the ball was coming to your foot. For a striker, you have to analyse all the types of situations he has. Right now, I probably play less in space because we have players who don’t play those passes as much. If there are spaces, I get into them. If there are spaces tomorrow, I hope I can score by using them.
He hesitates as he looks for the journalist who is ready to ask the next question: “Here, Kylian, on the far left”. Mbappé replies: “Good thing you weren’t on the other side! (laughter).”
On preparing for next season: “I am not a player who looks for excuses. Tomorrow you have to be at 100% and be fast at all time. I will be better prepapred next season, it will be better for sure. Now, there’s a quarter-final and I’m ready to lead my team to the semi-final. We can be champions of the Euros and I’m looking forward to it.”
Who is Portugal’s most important player: “When you play against Portugal, it’s difficult to choose one player: they have so many great players. It would be easy for me to say Cristiano, but I would be ignoring all the others. Tomorrow we are play against a team that has Bruno Fernandes, Rafa Leão, Bernardo Silva, they are all dangerous. So are my PSG teammates. We shouldn’t focus on one player, because that would mean ignoring the others. If you focus on one, you’ll pay for it!
Pepe playing at over 40 years of age: “Pepe was a legend for Madrid, Porto and Portugal. To be a starter, at 41 years old, is no mean feat. He is unique in defence: it’s an honour to play against these players. When you start out, you want to play against the best, and it will be a pleasure to play against him. I respect Pepe for everything he has achieved. However, tomorrow, on the pitch, I won’t respect him as much. But having such longevity and staying at the top for so long, not everyone can do that”.
Antoine Griezmann’s role in the side: “He is a player who has given a lot to the national team and we have to value him. He’s going through a tough time, it’s fine to say that. I believe that he has all the support of the people, of the group, of the dressing room, of the journalists. Everyone is free to give their opinion, but the criticism towards Griezmann hurts - he has given everything for France. He is one of the best players of the modern era of the national team. He’s someone who likes to be loved and has always gives his all. He’s an important player for us.
The game between France and Portugal will be played on Friday, July 5, with kick off at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.