PARIS (AFP) - Football legend Pele told Kylian Mbappe on Tuesday (April 2) that he believes the French World Cup winner can emulate his own achievement of scoring 1,000 career goals.
The 78-year-old Brazilian claims to have netted over 1,000 goals in his career, while Mbappe has so far managed 103 in total, with 92 of those coming at the top level.
"It's possible, I scored exactly 1,025, so 1,000 goals is possible for him," Pele told AFP in Paris, where he met Mbappe at a sponsor event for Hublot watches.
Mbappe, who last year became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after Pele in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia, played down Pele's comments.
"I think that even if we count the goals on inter-city pitches and goals on the PlayStation, I won't be able to reach the 1,000-goal mark," said the 20-year-old Paris St Germain forward.
"We will try to get as close as we can, but I think I'll be a long way off it at the end of my career."
Mbappe has scored 32 goals in all competitions for PSG this season, including 27 from only 24 Ligue 1 appearances.
Pele was only 21 when he won his second World Cup in 1962, adding a third eight years later.
"There's only one 'King' and he's there," said Mbappe. "I'm just Kylian, I'm trying to do my best to help my team and my national side.
"The comparisons are flattering but I know very well that I will never do what he did."
It was not the first time that Mbappe has had to temper comparisons with Pele, after a rush to crown him a future footballing great during the World Cup in Russia, where he scored four goals in total.
But the former Monaco striker insists that he is not focused on becoming the best player of modern times.
"When Pele was playing, he didn't think he wanted to be the best player in history, he wanted to have fun, help his country and his club, which he did," he said.
"What I want is to help PSG, the France team and afterwards it will be other people who tell you that you are the best.
"Everyone says that he is the best, but if you are (the best), there's no need to say it. It's not a goal for me."
Pele spent the majority of his career at Santos in his home country, bar a spell in the United States with the New York Cosmos shortly before his retirement.
He told Mbappe, who has been repeatedly linked with a move away from PSG, that the key to smashing goalscoring records is playing in the very best teams.
"People tend to say that goals are the most important thing - I thank God for having scored so many in my career - but we must know that we need to be well-supported, you can't score on your own, you need good teammates, that's very important."
Mbappe and his Paris teammates have only the French Cup left to fight for this season, with the Ligue 1 title all but secured and their Champions League campaign over after a humiliating defeat by Manchester United.
If anyone says that Singaporeans don't have a passion for football, they probably forgot to swing by Our Tampines Hub to catch the live screening of the Champions League final between Liverpool
Liverpool in the Champions League final - don't miss out on
Arrizabalaga dropped as Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 | Free
'It is not scary to go there' - Pep Guardiola says Man City players no longer fear going to Old Trafford Independent.ie Pep Guardiola believes Old Trafford is no longer scary for Manchester City.
Old Trafford no longer a 'scary' place to visit - Guardiola
Sarri refused to talk to the press after being sent off during Chelsea's draw with Burnley, with his assistant Zola claiming he was 'offended' by something said from the visitors' bench.
Chelsea report Burnley over insults aimed at Maurizio Sarri
Home » News » Sports » Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp. Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp. On March 19, 2019 6:11 pm In Sports by Emmanuel Okogba
Kane insists club rivalries will not split England camp
REUTERS: Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has been charged with misconduct for his behaviour during Monday's (Apr 22) 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley, the English Football Association said.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri charged with misconduct by FA
Home/sports/ Teenage Italy midfielder Zaniolo oozes Roman pedigree. sports Teenage Italy midfielder Zaniolo oozes Roman pedigree. waka March 26, 2019. 0 1 1 minute read.
Teenage Italy midfielder Zaniolo oozes Roman pedigree
Cristiano Ronaldo insists there is nothing to fear after suffering a hamstring injury in Portugal's 1-1 draw against Serbia on Monday, adding that he is "not worried" about it going forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo vows to return in 2 weeks amid fears of
Osako double saves the day for Japan. Japan's Ritsu Doan shaping to shoot before scoring his team's third goal in their 3-2 Asian Cup Group F win over Turkmenistan yesterday. The Samurai Blue
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian
allmysportsnews.com/soccer/football-osako-double-saves-the-day-for-japan-in-3-2-asian-cup-win-over-turkmenistan/
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian Cup win over Turkmenistan Posted on 01/09/2019 ABU DHABI (AFP) - Yuya Osako netted a quickfire double as former champions Japan survived a scare to beat Turkmenistan 3-2 in their Asian Cup opener on Wednesday (Jan 9).
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian
Sigurdsson double helps Everton sink Cardiff | Reuters.com
Shop the latest women's, men's and children's fashion plus homeware, beauty and more. Next day delivery and free returns available. Shop now!
FOOTBALL NEWS:TOTTENHAM TAKE REVENGE ON ARSENAL TO REACH LEAGUE CUP SEMIS Loading… Tottenham Hotspur gained sweet revenge over north London rivals Arsenal as goals in each half by Son Heung-min and Dele Alli earned them a 2-0 win on Wednesday and a League Cup semi-final place.
Spurs take revenge on Arsenal to reach League Cup semis
Mar 17, 2019 · Manchester City were paired with Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Watford will face Wolves following the draw, which was made immediately after Brighton's penalty shootout defeat
Watch Millwall v Brighton and FA Cup semi-final draw - Live
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen