Kylian Mbappé is a great admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he will face in the quarter-finals of the European Championship. The French star also emphasises that he is not looking to follow in the footsteps of the Portuguese legend.

“Everyone knows how much I admire Cristiano Ronaldo as a player,” Mbappé praised his opponent on Friday evening at a press moment of the French team. “In the last few years I have been lucky to work with him, to get to know him and to have a chat with him.”

“And we are still in touch. He always helps me, and keeps me informed about what is happening in his life. And he gives me tips,” the star player of France is happy about the good mutual bond with Ronaldo.

“It's an honour for me. Especially when we think about what Ronaldo has done for the world of football. Regardless of what has happened before or what will happen in the future, he will always be a football legend.”

No successor

Mbappé can ensure that the European Championship ends in the quarterfinals for Portugal on Friday. In addition, the attacker swaps Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, where Ronaldo shone for years. Nevertheless, Mbappé does not see himself as the successor to the 39-year-old Portuguese.

“No, I think he is unique. There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo, there will never be another,” Mbappé stressed at France's press conference on Thursday.

“I am following my own path. My dream of playing for Real Madrid is coming true. I hope I can make my mark on football, but I am not going to write the next chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo's story. I hope I can become unique and completely different at Real Madrid,” said the Champions League winner's signing.

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