The National Team Is The Love Of My Life

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal, has referred to the national team as “the love of his life” and considers it “a gift” that he is still playing at the highest level at the age of 39.

Ronaldo increased his international men’s record goal tally to 130 in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, preparing for his sixth European Championship by scoring twice.

Ronaldo stated,

“I know I don’t have many years of football left. It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”

Since 2003, the former star of Manchester United and Real Madrid has represented Portugal, winning the 2016 European Championship.

“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he said. “Any game 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] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez recently described Ronaldo as “unique.”

Ronaldo has scored a Saudi Pro League record 35 goals for Al Nassr in his most memorable full campaign at the club.

“The most important thing is that I am well physically and psychologically,” Ronaldo said. “I am prepared, I always prepare 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 didn’t begin in Portugal’s last two games at the 2022 World Cup, including their 1-0 loss to Morocco for the quarterfinals.

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Under Martinez’s leadership, Portugal are among the favorites to win the 2024 Euros.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo responded when asked if they could repeat the feat of 2016:

“The thought has to be that, be positive, take it 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 need to take advantage of this generation of talent to do something beautiful at the European Championship. But I repeat again: talent is not enough. We have to work. We want to start the European Championship in the best possible way.”

On June 18, Portugal’s Group F matchup with Czech Republic begins. In the first stage, they also play debutants Georgia and Turkey.