Mbappé: Cristiano is my role model, and this is the difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona

The French star Kylian Mbappe, a player for Real Madrid, spoke in an extensive interview during which he touched on his football career, his time with Real Madrid, as well as a number of issues related to football.

Mbappe said about his beginnings with Monaco: "I miss the lack of fame from that period, and I also miss the family atmosphere that existed within the club. That was what distinguished Monaco and still distinguishes it to this day. It is a big club, but at the same time, a very family-oriented one."

Regarding the moment that marked a turning point in his career, he said: "I believe it was when we played against Manchester City with Monaco. It was my first major match at the European level, and it served as my gateway to major encounters. After that match, everything changed; I became a regular player and joined the national team, and then things accelerated significantly."

Regarding the player he learned the most from, he explained: "I think it was Radamel Falcao because I was a striker and he embraced me from the start and gave me confidence. He was the team captain, its star, and the main reference within Monaco. For a young striker, having a player with such a personality was ideal because he loved to share his experiences, and I was eager to learn from him."

Regarding the captaincy of the French national team, he said: "If you ask me as a player, I would choose Hugo Lloris because he is the only captain I have played under. But if you ask me as a child, I would choose Zinedine Zidane after the 2006 World Cup. It is a great honor to wear the captain's armband for my country."

Continuing about his best match in a France jersey, he said: "In the 2018 World Cup against Belgium in the semi-final. I didn't score or assist, but I felt I could have made three or four decisive passes in that match. It was my favorite game in the tournament."

Regarding playing for Real Madrid: "It is exactly as I imagined. For many, except Barcelona fans, Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world. It is the club that embodies greatness. Barcelona has left a significant mark in football history, but Real Madrid remains the most popular club globally. I am happy and proud to wear this jersey, and I want to leave my mark in the club's history because those who make history here secure their place in football history."

Regarding what he lacks to achieve more, he said: "This is a question I constantly ask myself. It's easy to say I want to win all the titles, but there are those who have achieved more than that. In football, there is always something new to achieve, and if you stop, someone else will come and take your place."

He added, "Your best match with Real Madrid? When I scored a hat-trick against Manchester City. It was a Champions League match in the knockout stages, and scoring a hat-trick in such encounters gives you an exceptional feeling. The best match in your career? That match where I scored a hat-trick against Barcelona wearing the Paris Saint-Germain jersey."

Regarding the toughest opponent he faced, he explained: "Three or four years ago, I liked facing Virgil van Dijk because he was considered the best in his position, and honestly, he was an exceptional player. In the World Cup, I hope to face Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar, at least one of them."

He stated: "I played with Lionel Messi and played against Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was my idol, but I experienced both. They are completely different and cannot be directly compared. I think the competition between them was great for football. And if someone says Ronaldo lacks talent or Messi didn't work hard, it simply means you've never worn football boots or played the game."

He concluded: "In football, people forget very quickly. You might win everything, but the next day everyone has forgotten what you did. And if years pass since your achievements, it happens even faster. That's why there is always something new to prove, even for players who have achieved everything."