Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has known as the nationwide staff “the love of his life” and considers it “a present” to nonetheless be enjoying on the highest degree aged 39.
Ronaldo warmed up for his record-extending sixth European Championship by scoring twice in Tuesday’s 3-0 conquer the Republic of Eire to extend his worldwide males’s file aim tally to 130.
“I do know I haven’t got a few years of soccer left,” Ronaldo mentioned. “It is a reward to play yr after yr, after 35. I am 39 and yearly is about having fun with [myself]. To attain for the nationwide staff is particular. The nationwide staff is the love of my life, profitable the Euros could be a dream.”
The previous Actual Madrid and Manchester United star has represented Portugal since 2003 and lifted the European Championship in 2016.
“For me, enjoying for the nationwide staff is a ardour, a love,” he mentioned. “Any sport is particular, a European Championship is particular, it is going to be my sixth, which can be a file.
“Taking part in in 2004, once I made my [European Championship] debut, or enjoying as we speak, the sensation is at all times of delight and keenness. It does not get any higher than this.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez lately described Ronaldo as “distinctive.”
Regardless of lacking out on silverware this season, Ronaldo scored a Saudi Professional League file 35 objectives for Al Nassr in his first full marketing campaign on the membership.
“A very powerful factor is that I’m nicely bodily and psychologically,” Ronaldo mentioned. “I’m ready, I at all times put together in one of the best ways, I’m 100% skilled. I shall be prepared as at all times to assist our nation [at the Euros] and respect the coach’s selections.”
Ronaldo didn’t begin in Portugal’s final two video games on the 2022 World Cup, together with their 1-0 defeat to Morocco within the quarterfinals.
The benching, in keeping with then Portugal coach Fernando Santos, was not nicely acquired by the participant.
Portugal, now beneath Martinez, are among the many favourites to win Euro 2024.
Requested if they will replicate the feat of 2016, Ronaldo mentioned: “The thought must be that, be constructive, take it step-by-step. Dreaming is free and this staff has the expertise to dream. Nothing will be achieved with out work, we’ve got to work and combat.
“We have to reap the benefits of this era of expertise to do one thing stunning on the European Championship. However I repeat once more: expertise just isn’t sufficient. We’ve got to work. We need to begin the European Championship in the very best method.”
Portugal kick off their Group F marketing campaign in opposition to Czechia on June 18. In addition they play Turkey and debutants Georgia within the first stage.
