Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has called the national team “the love of his life” and considers it “a gift” to continue playing at the highest level at the age of 39.
Ronaldo prepared for his record-extending sixth European Championship by scoring twice in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland to increase his men's international goal record to 130.
“I know I don't have many years of football left,” Ronaldo said. “It is a gift to play year after year, after 35. I am 39 and every year is to enjoy.” [myself]. Marking for selection is special. “The national team is the love of my life, winning the European Championship would be a dream.”
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has represented Portugal since 2003 and won the European Championship in 2016.
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he said. “Any match is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record.
“Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] Debuting or playing today, the feeling is always one of pride and passion. There is nothing better than this”.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez recently described Ronaldo as “unique.”
Despite missing out on trophies this season, Ronaldo scored a record 35 goals in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr in his first full campaign at the club.
“The most important thing is that I am fine physically and psychologically,” Ronaldo said. “I am prepared, I always prepare myself in the best way, I am 100% professional. I will be ready as always to help our country.” [at the Euros] and respect the coach's decisions.
Ronaldo did not start Portugal's last two games at the 2022 World Cup, including their 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals.
The bench, according to the then Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, was not well received by the player.
Portugal, now under Martínez, is among the favorites to win Euro 2024.
When asked if they can replicate the 2016 feat, Ronaldo said: “The idea has to be that, be positive, go step by step. Dreaming is free and this team has the talent to dream. Nothing can be achieved without work, We have to work and fight.
“We have to take advantage of this generation of talent to do something nice in the Euro Cup. But I repeat: talent is not enough. We have to work. We want to start the Euro Cup in the best possible way.”
Portugal begins its Group F campaign against Czechia on June 18. They will also play against Türkiye and debutant Georgia in the first phase.
