Arsenal legend Thierry Henry had a playful yet firm message for Kylian Mbappe prior to Arsenal`s dominant victory over Real Madrid.
The Emirates Stadium witnessed a memorable night as Arsenal triumphed over Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 lead against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, thanks to two stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and a brilliant goal by Mikel Merino.
Crucially, alongside their scoring feat, Arsenal maintained a clean sheet, which required keeping Mbappe at bay, exactly as Henry desired.
During pre-match warm-ups, Henry encountered his fellow Frenchman, Mbappe, on the pitch.
The two shared a friendly hug and a brief conversation before Mbappe resumed his preparations.
Henry, in his role as a CBS Sports analyst, disclosed his lighthearted but pointed remark to the Real Madrid forward. He mentioned, “I always have immense respect for Kylian Mbappe.”
“We both are graduates of Clairefontaine [French football academy].”
He added, “Tonight, he is playing against my most beloved team.”
“I bear him no ill will, but tonight,” Henry revealed his six-word message, “Please, I don`t want to see you.”
And, to Henry`s satisfaction, Mbappe`s impact was minimal.
Mbappe played the entire match in North London but was largely contained, especially in dangerous areas.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes, the usually prolific 2018 World Cup winner was limited to a few shots, none of which breached David Raya`s goal.
Perhaps Mbappe`s most notable moment was his reaction to Rice`s second free-kick.
Cameras caught Mbappe acknowledging the brilliance of Rice`s strike with raised eyebrows and a nod of appreciation.
Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid: Declan Rice earns ELEVEN out of 10 for free-kick thunderbolts
Bend it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…
Declan Rice delivered a set-piece masterclass, scoring his first career free-kicks against Real Madrid. He became the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in a single knockout game.
Real Madrid`s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was crucial in the first half, making an impressive double save to deny Rice`s header and Gabriel Martinelli`s follow-up.
The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Rice curled in a sensational free-kick.
Rice then electrified the Emirates with an even more spectacular second free-kick from the left, finding the top right corner.
Mikel Merino completed the scoring with a well-placed third goal from a low cross, capping off an extraordinary night.
Rice`s phenomenal performance earned him an unprecedented ELEVEN in player ratings.
Here’s how SunSport`s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…
