Antonio Rudiger has vowed to 'smash' Kylian Mbappe if the pair meet in the Champions League final - even though they'll soon be team-mates.
Real Madrid defender Rudiger is expected to eventually welcome Mbappe to the Bernabeu this summer, as the French superstar completes a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. But Real could still face PSG before then, as the two sides are in adjacent semi-finals of the Champions League.
Rudiger and co drew 2-2 away to Bayern Munich in their first leg on Tuesday, while PSG visit Borussia Dortmund for Wednesday's clash. If both favourites advance, Rudiger and Mbappe will square off at Wembley on Saturday, June 1 and the German centre-back won't be taking it easy.
Speaking before the Bayern game, Rudiger told Le Media Carre: "If we face him in the final, we'll beat him. And if he passes [dribbles] me, I'll smash him."
The former Chelsea ace did have some praise for Mbappe, though, adding: "The best players in history have always come to Real Madrid. He's one of the best players in the world, so it would be a good match."
Mbappe's mega-money move is yet to be confirmed, however, so when asked about his arrival in the Spanish capital, Rudiger replied with a smirk: "Who says that he's coming? It's not official."
The 31-year-old would certainly fancy his chances against Mbappe, having already shut out Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski in recent weeks. There's also the possibility that the PSG forward could face Rudiger at Euro 2024 this summer, as their nations did during an international friendly in March.
Rudiger's Germany - who'll host the tournament - came out on top, beating France 2-0. Asked this week if he still had Mbappe in his pocket, he classily replied while chuckling: "No, no. I find it disrespectful to talk like this."
His next task will be to prevent Harry Kane from scoring in their second-leg clash with Bayern, having came from behind to earn a draw in Munich. Visitors Real took the lead through Vinicius Junior midway through the first half before Bayern hit back after the break with quick-fire goals from Kane and Leroy Sane.
Vinicius Jr was on the scoresheet again with seven minutes of normal time remaining, slotting home a penalty to set up a huge game in Madrid next Wednesday. The winners will face either Mbappe's PSG or surprise package Dortmund, who last reached the semi-final stage in 2013 - coincidentally the year they went on to face Bayern in the final at Wembley, losing 2-1 under boss Jurgen Klopp.
papabrains
0
On a lighter side🥰😅🤣😂
Retbenortz
0
great
Wuybcesu
1
Real Madrid should take the return match every seriously. Is a do or die.
Wuybcesu
0
good and good
Eljon2023
0
He probably won’t face him 🤫🥴😂🤡
Johnsatneo
0
the great Vadrid has not beaten any top European teams within regular 90 minutes and zero cleansheets
so that means you are just a kid in football
Ameimessi
0
if you didn't cheap against arsenal by bribing refree to send v.persie off ,you would have one less ucl, then against Chelsea, another less ucl, should I keep going, you frauds
hihi! dnt blme me for ur grandmother's death too.
BrianKessy767
0
the great Vadrid has not beaten any top European teams within regular 90 minutes and zero cleansheets
Wuyilmopru
0
what?!
viwadeikpz
0
it's rudiger not real Madrid star. stop making too much out of this just to have w full article
Rudiger is Real Madrid star ✌🏽
Fowbdekrsu
1
Mbappe will destroy real madrid
iamadiehardmadridfan
0
keep dreaming hehe
Am dreaming? Ok let's wait next week then
CHICKIESMP
0
it's rudiger not real Madrid star. stop making too much out of this just to have w full article
Youabrokenigger
0
In Madrid, we're not thought to play return legs. For us there are finals and we have not be taught to play finals but to win them.
What about last season 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Vebadiky
0
Madrid will bury Bayern next week
keep dreaming hehe
Lord_B
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
if you didn't cheap against arsenal by bribing refree to send v.persie off ,you would have one less ucl, then against Chelsea, another less ucl, should I keep going, you frauds
Wioabdoz
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
That’s absolutely right. PSG was nowhere in the game until the red card.
ORUVAL3
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
Which one is if?...funny Barca fans always counting.on if this didn't happen...that could have happened... Impossible conditional tense
ORUVAL3
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
Which one is if?...funny Barca fans always counting.on if this didn't happen...that could have happened... Impossible conditional tenses
rodbimtuz
0
Real Madrid were being favoured by referee who allowed Madrid defenders to hold Musiala down and did not give yellow cards. Football is now a circus 🎪
I tell you. The 15th UCL is on the way.
rodbimtuz
2
In Madrid, we're not thought to play return legs. For us there are finals and we have not be taught to play finals but to win them.
roabersuyz
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
Get over it kid we're in semi final now
roabersuyz
0
Real Madrid were being favoured by referee who allowed Madrid defenders to hold Musiala down and did not give yellow cards. Football is now a circus 🎪
I don't see Bayern fans complaining, but only Barca and City fans gues it hurt them more
Wamacdiloz
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
In your dreams
Lovebug2
5
Real Madrid were being favoured by referee who allowed Madrid defenders to hold Musiala down and did not give yellow cards. Football is now a circus 🎪
Lovebug2
0
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter
Fact
iamadiehardmadridfan
2
Madrid will bury Bayern next week
iamadiehardmadridfan
0
Madrid will bury Bayern next week
Ameimessi
2
if Araujo was not sent off psg will never crozs qter