How Ronaldo inspired Mount

You may recognise those words, delivered directly to the camera by a young, long-haired Mason Mount, in a viral video that has been shared across social media over recent years.

After explaining his set-piece technique, a fledgling Mount, of Chelsea’s Academy at the time, goes on to fire an effort over the wall and into the net, just as his inspiration Cristiano made a habit of doing in his Manchester United career.

Emulating the latter, Mason completed a move to the Reds on Wednesday and it was later announced that he will wear the club's no.7 shirt, following in the footsteps of the Portugal megastar.

Growing up Mason Mount tried to imitate Cristiano Ronaldo's ball-striking technique💫

(via @masonmount_10) pic.twitter.com/HFxi4QJvr0

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) June 30, 2023

Speaking in his first interview as a United player, which you can now see in full exclusively across our official platforms, Mount recalled seeing CR7’s famous knuckleballing 2008 free-kick against Portsmouth in the flesh.

As a boyhood Pompey fan, our new signing was in the stands at Old Trafford on that evening watching his side, and would leave M16 in awe of our former star.

“I was probably around 10 [note: he was nine years old],” Mount recalls.

“I was there in the away end, supporting my team Pompey, and was able to witness that special moment.

“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.”

Mount will have the opportunity to create his own legacy at the Theatre of Dreams now, having signed an initial contract at United that runs until June 2028, with the option of a further year.

He’ll follow on from the likes of Ronaldo and David Beckham in wearing the club’s historic no.7 jersey, and the 24-year-old taking on that mantle may be an ode to the esteemed former United players whom he admired, growing up.

“I had a lot [of inspirations]. Looking at obviously Ronaldo, I know you have seen the little video of me when I was younger - I loved watching him play and his free-kicks," he adds, in his first United interview.

“Becks was also a massive inspiration of mine, growing up with his free-kicks, and I was in awe of his technique.

“So yeah, I've had a lot of inspiration from many players. But you take a little inspiration from different parts of their games and try to put it into yours.”

You can hear more from Mason Mount by watching his first interview as a United player here!