Cristiano Ronaldo: Taking part in Euro 2024 aged 39 ‘a present’

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has known as the nationwide crew “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 overcome the Republic of Eire to extend his worldwide males’s file objective tally to 130.

“I do know I haven’t got a few years of soccer left,” Ronaldo mentioned. “It is a reward to play 12 months after 12 months, after 35. I am 39 and yearly is about having fun with [myself]. To attain for the nationwide crew is particular. The nationwide crew 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 crew is a ardour, a love,” he mentioned. “Any recreation 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 right now, the sensation is all the time of delight and keenness. It would not get any higher than this.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez just 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.

“An important factor is that I’m nicely bodily and psychologically,” Ronaldo mentioned. “I’m ready, I all the time put together in one of the best ways, I’m 100% skilled. I can be prepared as all the time 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 line with then Portugal coach Fernando Santos, was not nicely acquired by the participant.

Portugal, now below Martinez, are among the many favourites to win Euro 2024.

Requested if they’ll replicate the feat of 2016, Ronaldo mentioned: “The thought must be that, be optimistic, take it step-by-step. Dreaming is free and this crew has the expertise to dream. Nothing might be achieved with out work, we have now to work and combat.

“We have to make the most of this era of expertise to do one thing lovely on the European Championship. However I repeat once more: expertise is just not sufficient. We now have to work. We wish to begin the European Championship in the very best means.”

Portugal kick off their Group F marketing campaign towards Czechia on June 18. In addition they play Turkey and debutants Georgia within the first stage.