Fabian Ruiz (foto: Getty Images)
PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz spoke warmly about Kylian Mbappe before their Club World Cup semi-final, wishing his former teammate well, but not when they face each other in New York.
Fabian Ruiz is ready for battle. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder addressed the media ahead of their Club World Cup semi-final clash with Real Madrid, where he will come face to face with former teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, now a key figure at Madrid, will play against PSG for the first time since leaving the French club last year. While the emotional reunion is one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the semi-final, Ruiz insists the Parisians are focused on victory.
"We know it's going to be a great and very difficult game," said the Spanish international. "We're coming here with a lot of desire, with a lot of ambition to play a great game and to win."
On facing Mbappe, with whom he shared the dressing room for years in Paris, Ruiz admitted: "We know Kylian's extraordinary qualities, we know how important he is for Madrid. He gave us a lot. It’s been a pleasure to play with him and I always wish him the best — except tomorrow when we play against him."
Ruiz was also asked whether he expects Mbappe to start under Xabi Alonso. "That decision is not ours, it's Xabi Alonso's. We don't know who will play. They are a great team, with great players, and we know their quality," he responded.
The Spaniard also addressed the unfortunate injury to Jamal Musiala, who fractured his fibula during a collision with Ruiz in the quarter-final. "It’s a difficult moment. An injury for any teammate is not good. I was involved in the incident, but it was not intentional. We wish Musiala a speedy recovery."
PSG and Real Madrid will face off at the MetLife Stadium on Wednesday night for a spot in the final against Chelsea, who defeated Fluminense 2-0 in the other semi-final.