Striker Cristiano Ronaldo sees records as motivation to continue playing at the national team level and aims to win Euro 2024 with Portugal.
* Iceland - Portugal: 1:45 a.m. tomorrow, June 21, Hanoi time.
Ronaldo in Portugal's 3-0 win over Bosnia in the third round of Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers on June 17. Photo: AFP
Ronaldo will become the first male footballer to reach 200 international appearances if he plays when Portugal visit Iceland at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík in the fourth round of Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers today. In 199 matches, he has scored 122 goals and provided 43 assists.
At the press conference before the match on June 19, when asked about setting a new milestone, the 38-year-old striker said: "Tomorrow is a beautiful, round number that no one has ever reached. But honestly, I don't chase records, they chase me. This is something I never thought I would achieve, and I continue to set records."
According to Ronaldo, playing his 200th match for Portugal is an important milestone and has great significance. Ronaldo would be proud to reach that milestone, affirming that such records are the motivation for him to continue playing at the highest level for the national team and aim for new milestones.
Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in a friendly against Kazakhstan in 2003. He was just 18 years old at the time, replacing the legendary Luis Figo. Ronaldo scored his first goal for Portugal in their eighth match against Greece. In September 2022, Ronaldo became the all-time leading international goalscorer, surpassing the previous record of 109 goals set by former Iranian striker Ali Daei, and now has 122 goals. He is also the first player to score in five European Championships and five World Cups.
"What other records are there to conquer?" the 38-year-old striker asked with a laugh. "I don't really know. I know there are records that I hold. What I want most right now is to win and be at Euro 2024."
Ronaldo (fourth from right) on the training ground with the Portuguese team on June 19. Photo: FFP
Ronaldo has won two major titles at international level, winning Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League 2019 with Portugal, but he is not ready to stop. "I am happy and have the ambition to continue making history for Portugal," he said. "I hope Portugal can win more titles. 200 matches are a testament to my love for the team, an asset that gives me pride and motivation. What I want most is to help Portugal."
In January 2023, Ronaldo ended his career in Europe and signed a two-year contract with Al Nassr. He scored 14 goals in 19 appearances for the Saudi Arabian club, but did not win any trophies. Al Nassr finished second in the Saudi Pro League, and reached the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup and the semi-finals of the King's Cup.
However, Ronaldo said he is still playing well, scoring goals, has the ability to lead and motivate his teammates. He affirmed that he will not retire from the national team unless he is no longer valued and called up by the coaching staff and the Federation. "Representing the national team is the pinnacle of my career," Ronaldo said. "I want to continue playing, making my family, friends and Portuguese fans happy. As Bruno Alves said, I will not give up my position for free. It is a long journey, but I hope it will not end soon."
Hong Duy
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