Kylian Mbappe has claimed he ‘cannot have a career like Lionel Messi’ and is now inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappe has opened up on his career path (Image: GETTY)
World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe has said it is ‘too late’ for him to take inspiration from Lionel Messi because he has already left Monaco.
The PSG superstar was speaking about his idols and revealed he is aiming to follow a similar career path to Cristiano Ronaldo .
The 21-year-old forward also named compatriot Zinedine Zidane as one of his childhood heroes, telling Gazetta dello Sport: “If you’re French, then of course you grow up with Zidane as your idol.
“Another of mine was Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom I’ve already been able to measure myself against as an opponent, with the national team as well.”
However, Mbappe feels he cannot emulate Messi’s career due to the Argentinian superstar remaining a one club man with Barcelona .
“It’s too late for me to have a career like Messi,” he added. “I’d have to have stayed with Monaco.
“But without taking anything from Messi, I now have to be inspired by Cristiano’s career.”
When asked what it is like to have Neymar as a team-mate, Mbappe claimed the Brazilian is ‘getting back to his best now’.
“Neymar is a great player and we have a good relationship off the pitch,” he said.
“He’s had two difficult seasons, but he’s getting back to his best now, which is good for PSG fans and anyone who loves football.”
With veteran forward Edinson Cavani widely expected to depart the club this month after handing in a transfer request, PSG are expected to take up the option to buy Mauro Icardi once his season long loan deal ends.
The Argentinian has netted 17 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions so far for the French giants and Mbappe is a big fan.
“Mauro is one of the best strikers in the world, but he arrived with humility,” he said. “He was determined to help the team and he only thinks about scoring.
“He’s already scored a lot of goals, proving his importance.”