Mbappe backs AC Milan but warns Real Madrid of Inter threat

Kylian Mbappe has reaffirmed his preference for AC Milan over Inter while insisting that Real Madrid’s Champions League opponents deserve considerable respect ahead of their meeting at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

The France international has spoken repeatedly in recent years about his admiration for AC Milan. In an interview in 2024, Mbappe said that if he ever moved to Italy, he would do so only to join the Rossoneri. He has also previously revealed that he watches all of AC Milan’s matches in Serie A.

Mbappe maintained that position in an interview with Sky Sport Italia before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Inter.

“Of course I prefer Milan, but Inter are opponents who deserve a lot of respect. They are a team with quality,” he said.

The Real Madrid forward also discussed his close personal relationship with Inter striker Marcus Thuram, as well as the respect he has for the Italian club’s captain, Lautaro Martinez.

Mbappe said Thuram was the first person he thought of when the draw was made, given their longstanding friendship.

“When I saw the draw, my only thought was Marcus Thuram. We have been friends for many years, and I did not think much about Inter. It is a big match for everyone, and there are no friends on the pitch,” he said.

Thuram and Mbappe have been close for several years, but the France captain stressed that their friendship would not affect the contest once the match began.

He also praised Martinez, describing the Inter forward as an outstanding player, while admitting he hoped the Argentine would not demonstrate his ability in Madrid.

“Lautaro Martinez is a great player, but I hope he does not show it tomorrow. It is good to play against strikers who are capable of making the difference,” Mbappe added.

Mbappe’s comments underline the contrast between his long-standing affection for AC Milan and his assessment of Inter as a serious European opponent. Although he has made clear which of the two Milan clubs he favours, he presented Inter as a side equipped with the quality to pose a significant challenge to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The match at Santiago Bernabeu will also bring Mbappe up against Thuram, one of his closest friends, and Martinez, a striker he regards highly. Despite those personal connections, Mbappe made clear that the relationship between the players would be set aside when the teams meet.

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