Cristiano Ronaldo has been receiving high praise from both Kylian Mbappé and Roberto Martinez ahead of Portugal’s crucial Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against France. This may be Ronaldo’s last European Championship appearance, as he confirmed that he will not be participating in the next tournament in four years.
Martinez, the Portugal head coach, has been vocal about the value Ronaldo brings to the team with his goal-scoring ability and experience. Despite criticism, Martinez has stood by his decision to start Ronaldo in every game. He highlighted Ronaldo’s commitment to winning and competing every day, setting an example for the rest of the team.
Mbappé, who has admired Ronaldo since he was young, spoke about his admiration for the legendary player. He expressed gratitude for the advice and support Ronaldo has given him over the years. Mbappé sees playing against Ronaldo as an honor and hopes to create his own legacy at Real Madrid without overshadowing Ronaldo’s achievements.
Both France and Portugal have faced challenges in the tournament so far. Mbappé suffered an injury in France’s opening game, while Portugal had a dramatic win against Slovenia in the round of 16. Ronaldo has had the most shots in the tournament but has yet to score, leading to some criticism from fans and analysts.
As the two teams prepare to face off in the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Mbappé. The match will not only determine who advances in the tournament but also provide a glimpse into the future of European soccer as Mbappé potentially takes over the mantle from Ronaldo as the biggest star in the sport. With both players showing respect and admiration for each other, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game between two footballing giants.