Kylian Mbappe, the French forward, is eagerly awaiting another match-up with his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, when France faces Portugal in the European Championship quarterfinals. Mbappe, who used to have posters of Ronaldo on his bedroom wall, first met the Portuguese player at the age of 10 and still considers him as an idol. He expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, stating that he receives tips and advice from the 39-year-old legend. Mbappe acknowledged Ronaldo’s impact on the footballing world and hopes to outshine him in the upcoming game while maintaining respect for him.
Looking ahead to the match, Mbappe anticipates a tough competition against Portugal, emphasizing that small details will make the difference. He highlighted the competitive nature of the Euros and the intensity required to succeed at this stage of the tournament. Mbappe mentioned improvements in finishing and intensity during training sessions, indicating France’s readiness for the upcoming game. The team had a four-day break after their victory over Belgium, allowing Mbappe to adapt to wearing a face mask due to a nose injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
Despite initially describing the mask as horrible, Mbappe now sees it as a crucial element that has enabled him to continue playing. He acknowledged the significance of the mask in his participation and expressed gratitude for its role in his recovery. Mbappe’s focus remains on the competition and his determination to perform at his best, regardless of any discomfort caused by the mask. With France prepared for a challenging encounter against Portugal, Mbappe’s resilience and commitment to the game are evident as he gears up for the quarterfinal clash.
