Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe, La Liga
Cristiano Ronaldo's previous comments on Kylian Mbappe have resurfaced amid the Frenchman's 'poor' run of form for Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old, who completed his long-awaited transfer to Los Blancos in the summer, has scored 10 goals in 20 games for the Spanish giants.
That output would be seen by many as a resounding success, especially in a debut campaign.
But this is different. After so much expectation was placed on Mbappe's shoulders, he has yet to hit his stride in the famous all-white, with two recent penalty misses hitting headlines.
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Taking to social media after he failed to convert against Athletic Bilbao, the forward wrote took to Instagram to take "full responsibility" for making a "big mistake" during the game.
“Bad result," he wrote. "A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it's the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
The form of Mbappe has become a huge talking point. In fact, amid his struggles, an interview from September has reemerged of Ronaldo speaking about Mbappe in the opening weeks of the season.
“Let’s see if his head is clear and good, and if he can deal with the pressure, because Real Madrid is not PSG,” Ronaldo said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“I can’t tell you. Mbappe will go there now. How would you say Madrid is going to be better or going to be… We don’t know. Let’s see."
He added: “I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don’t know if they will be better than last year. I don’t know. Let’s see. Only God knows. But they have a fantastic team, fantastic players.”
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Ronaldo's comments.
One said: "This man always on point," and another commented: "Ronaldo’s ball knowledge is so underrated."
A third wrote: "Listening to Ronaldo, I am amazed every time how deep and accurate his understanding of football, the game itself and the people associated with football is. Ronaldo is a very intelligent and insightful person."
A fourth said: "He knew the script all along," while a fifth added: "Ahead of the curve."
Earlier on in the season, Mbappe responded to the pressures of following in the footsteps of Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
"I don't feel the pressure," he said. "I don't think about Cristiano, with all due respect to him. Cristiano is my idol, yes. But no, I don't want to follow anything. I don't want that pressure. I want to be Kylian. I only have the pressure of having to adapt to the team."
