“I hope that tomorrow he is not happy” - Kylian Mbappe makes honest admission before facing Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 quarter-final

France captain Kylian Mbappe recently spoke about facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal at UEFA Euro 2024. The two sides will face off in the quarter-finals at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday, July 5.

Mbappe has idolised Ronaldo since childhood and had posters of the legendary forward in his room. The duo have faced off before but this could potentially be the last time, at least in a major tournament. The 39-year-old has already declared that this would be his final Euros.

In a pre-match press conference, Kylian Mbappe hailed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's career. He asserted that whatever the result, Ronaldo will remain a legend but hoped that he wouldn't have a good day with Portugal on Friday. He said (via Madrid Universal):

“It’s an honour, everyone knows the admiration I have for him. We are always in contact. He will remain a legend of the game but we hope to win tomorrow."

He added:

“You have to appreciate what he has been and what he is. I just admire the greatness of the player. A unique player. He has marked the history of football, he has inspired generations. There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I respect him, but as I say, I hope that tomorrow he is not happy because we want to go to the semifinal.”

France beat Belgium 1-0 in the Round of 16 while Portugal got past Slovenia on penalties.

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Cristiano Ronaldo sent Kylian Mbappe a message after his Real Madrid move

After a transfer saga that has gone on for years, Kylian Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid this summer as a free agent. He left Paris Saint-Germain after the expiration of his contract and joined his dream club.

After the announcement, he shared some pictures of himself in a Real Madrid jacket from his younger days. The post also included his picture with Cristiano Ronaldo and the caption read:

"A dream come true, So happy and proud to join the club of my dream @realmadrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid! 🤍🤍🤍"

Ronaldo commented on the post:

"My turn to [watch]. Excited to see you light up the Bernabeu. #HalaMadrid"

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid legend and their all-time top scorer with 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games. He won four UEFA Champions League titles and numerous other trophies with them.