2023-06-19 23:47:42
By Le Figaro with AFP
Posted 16 minutes ago, Just Updated
Cristiano Ronaldo. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP
The Portuguese legend is about to play his 200th cap with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is about to reach the symbolic bar of 200 selections on Tuesday by starting with Portugal against Iceland in qualifying for Euro-2024, assured the day before that he would not take “Never» retiring internationally of his own free will.
«I will never give up coming here (in the Portugal team, editor’s note), because it is always a dream. Reaching 200 international matches is not for anyone, it shows the love I have for my country and our team“said the fivefold Golden Ball during a press conference Monday in Reykjavik.
Cristiano Ronaldo. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP
The 38-year-old striker, who joined Saudi club Al-Nassr in January, claimed the men’s national team cap record in March, playing his 197th game against Liechtenstein to dethrone Kuwait’s Bader Al – Mutawa.
«It would be spectacular to crown the 200th game for the selection with a goal.commented Monday the native of Madeira, also holder of the world record of goals in selection, with a total which continued to increase to reach so far 122 achievements.
«I don’t chase records, they chase me. I am happy, because it is part of my motivation to continue at the highest level with the selection. It’s something I never thought I’d accomplish.”he added.
“It’s unique”
At his side at a press conference, his new coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the tenure on Tuesday of the former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus Turin. The meeting in Icelandwill be a celebration“said the Spaniard. “A player who reaches 200 matches is unique. It’s a source of pride for Portuguese football“, he underlined.
Since the arrival of the former Belgium coach at the start of the year, Ronaldo has played the first three qualifying matches for Euro-2024 and scored two doubles in Portugal’s victories against Liechtenstein (4-0) and Luxembourg (6-0). The striker also played all of last Saturday’s game against Bosnia, but he didn’t score any of the three goals in Portugal’s 3-0 win.
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