Mbappe: I Prefer Milan to Inter

Kylian Mbappe will face Inter Milan in Real Madrid's opening Champions League clash, but the French star made clear that his childhood preference lies with the other side of the city.

"In childhood, I was really a Milan supporter," Mbappe said ahead of the derby. He still described Inter as a top-level opponent, pointing to the quality of its squad and singling out Marcus Thuram, a close friend, and Lautaro Martinez.

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In childhood, I was really a Milan supporter. But Inter are a top-level opponent. They have excellent players, including my friend Marcus Thuram. When I saw the draw, I immediately thought of him. They also have a brilliant Lautaro Martinez. He is a player who can make the difference immediately. Well, I hope he doesn't this time.

"Lautaro is a player who can make the difference immediately. Well, I hope he doesn't this time," Mbappe said. The meeting gives him an early chance to confront a familiar face while beginning Real Madrid's campaign for points in Europe's premier club competition.

Mbappe also looked back on an emotional start to the summer, when France lost to Spain in the World Cup semifinal. "It is never nice to say goodbye to dreams of winning the title in the semifinal. But that is football, and new challenges follow," he said. Mbappe noted that he captains France but not Real Madrid, while insisting that he gives his best in both settings.

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It is never nice to say goodbye to dreams of winning the title in the semifinal. But that is football, and new challenges follow. With France I am captain, at Real I am not, but everywhere I try to do my best.