Mason Mount Admits He Idolized Manchester United Star Cristiano Ronaldo While Growing Up

• Mount admits to idolizing and looking up to Cristiano Ronaldo when he was growing up as a staunch Portsmouth fan
• Ronaldo has inspired a whole generation of football players with his longevity, goal-scoring prowess and free-kick taking ability
• The Chelsea star recounts watching Ronaldo score a hat trick against his beloved Portsmouth at Old Trafford in 2008

Chelsea star Mason Mount has revealed that he looked up to five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo when he was young. Mount admitted that he watched and practised Ronaldo’s free-kick taking techniques.

Mount came through the Chelsea academy but was and is still a massive Portsmouth fan. He attended the Portsmouth game in 2008 at Old Trafford where Ronaldo scored a hat trick.

I went to the game when they played at Old Trafford and he scored that free-kick against David James. I was actually at the game, in the corner so I saw it first hand and I think after that I kind of fell in love with the technique and what he had done and him as a player.

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The Chelsea midfielder also revelled in the fact he grew from watching the Portuguese great from the stands to playing alongside him. He says that’s why he ‘likes football so much.’

The 23-year-old played against Ronaldo in the Premier League last week. Ronaldo powered in a thunderous finish to equalize for Manchester United. The game ended all square at 1-1.

According to Manchester United Evening News, Mount claims that a video of him that was widely circulated was inspired by the former Juventus and Real Madrid star.

I think everyone has seen the video of when I was younger basing my free kick off him. I always watched him closely when he was at United as a young kid. I loved the way he played, his free kicks.

Mount is a target for top European clubs

Mason Mount rose through Chelsea ranks under former manager Frank Lampard. He has put in fine displays and has since attracted interest from top European clubs.

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Sports Brief recently reported that unnamed big clubs will be looking to cash in on the uncertainty surrounding the club and last the English international.

Mount can be used as a number 10, on the wings or at the base of the midfield. His best position is when used just behind the strikers where he has flourished in since his Derby County days. He has already assisted a Champions League final goal that was scored by Kai Havertz.