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Mount reveals how he was 'inspired' by Ronaldo's 'iconic' free-kick

  /  autty

Mason Mount has revealed that he was 'inspired' by Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 2008 free-kick in his first interview after joining Man United.

The 24-year-old completed a £60m switch to Old Trafford from Premier League rivals Chelsea on Wednesday, when it was announced he would don the famous No 7 jersey at the club.

Footage of Mount, who was born in Portsmouth and followed the team as a kid, which has re-emerged shows the youngster in the Chelsea academy attempting to emulate Ronaldo's famous set-piece against Pompey.

The ex-Chelsea man revealed that he was in attendance that evening to witness a show stopping set piece that left him awestruck.

'I was probably around 10,' Mount told Man United's website. 'I was there in the away end, supporting my team Pompey, and was able to witness that special moment.

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'I think that video of me taking the free-kick in training was after that day. So, it inspired me. And seeing that special moment at Old Trafford, I was in the away end.

'As I said, I was in awe of that situation and that iconic moment. So, I'd love to now replicate it.'

In the retro clip in question, the much younger Mount says directly to the camera that he tries 'to base free-kicks on Ronaldo: hit the ball by the valve and it moves.'

The video then cuts to him expertly demonstrating the technique as his effort from the edge of the area flashed past the helpless keeper.

Mount will have some competition for set-pieces at Old Trafford next season though, with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order.