Harry Kane is a superstar in his own right at Tottenham, but he admits that Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is a “big role model”.
The Spurs striker locked horns with the Portuguese icon in Champions League competition on Tuesday, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side leaving Santiago Bernabeu with a credible 1-1 draw.
Kane also departed the Spanish capital with a prized memento of the occasion, having traded shirts with Ronaldo at the full-time whistle.
The 24-year-old England international intends to treasure that jersey, having grown up idolising the Portuguese forward, but admits that he is unsure what the former Manchester United ace will do with his.
Kane told reporters on his meeting with Ronaldo: “I asked for his shirt.
“He's a big role model of mine, watching him when I was growing up.
“It's a nice shirt to get and frame. I gave him my shirt. I don't know what he'll do with it. We just said, ‘See you in a couple of weeks’.”
Spurs had an inspired showing from Hugo Lloris to thank for taking a point from Real, with the French goalkeeper keeping them in the game after a Ronaldo penalty had cancelled out an own goal from Raphael Varane.
Kane feels Tottenham can take plenty of positives from their performance, with the Premier League title hopefuls looking to make their mark at home and abroad in 2017-18.
He added: “It was a great night for us.
“We can be proud of it, the fans can be proud and the whole club can be proud.
“It was a big statement. A few years ago we were playing Europa League and to come here to the Bernabeu and put in a performance like that — we drew and maybe could have won — shows what kind of team we are.
“It will give us confidence for the Premier League. We've shown we can do it against the best team in the world. It's a good incentive for us.
“Everyone put in an amazing shift. For the majority of the game we matched them. We wanted to prove to everyone we are a very good team and we want to take that on for the rest of the season. We have to keep improving.”
Kane has also welcomed the praise which continues to be lavished on him, with Real coach Zinedine Zidane billing him as a “complete player” ahead of a continental clash.
He said: “I try to use it as motivation. Positive comments help a striker.
“It's not just me, we've got a whole squad working very hard, but when you've got a striker scoring goals it's natural for people to talk about that.”
While he drew a blank in Madrid, Kane does have 11 goals in as many appearances across all competitions this season.