Cristiano Ronaldo says that the current Portugal “generation” deserve to win a European Championship.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that the current Portugal “generation” deserve to win a European Championship.
The 39-year-old helped his country triumph at Euro 2016, and eight years later, he will be aiming to play an important role in another success for the Iberian nation at the competition.
Portugal will open their Group F campaign at Euro 2024 against Czech Republic on Tuesday, before tackling Turkey and Georgia in their final two matches in the section.
Ronaldo has insisted that his side are “ready” for the tournament, and it is set to be a record-breaking competition for the Al-Nassr forward.
Indeed, Ronaldo is chasing a host of records at Euro 2024, including most tournament appearances, oldest outfield player, oldest player to score and most goals at different European Championships.
© Reuters
Ronaldo is set to create history at Euro 2024
“I believe that this generation deserves to win a competition of this magnitude. Semi-finals? I hope we can go further,” ESPN quotes Ronaldo as saying.
“We have to go step by step, live in the moment, be calm, work as well as we have until now, believe that it is possible. We know it’s a short competition, but the team is ready.
“I enjoy football, records are a consequence, not a goal, they appear naturally.
“It’s my sixth European Championship, it’s about enjoying it in the best possible way, playing well and making sure the team can win.
“It’s getting off to a good start which is essential. I feel ready, I’ve prepared myself for this competition.
© Reuters
Portugal are viewed among the favourites to win Euro 2024
“Anxiety is always there, that tingling in your stomach, especially the day before the game. I’m glad I feel it, when I don’t feel it, it’s better to give up and stop. I feel motivated and prepared. I see the team quite calm.”
Ronaldo is not the oldest player in the Portugal squad, with 41-year-old Pepe remaining a key player for the national side.
Rui Patricio, 36, is the third-oldest member of the squad, but there are also a number of players at the other ends of their careers, including Nuno Mendes, 21, Antonio Silva, 20, Joao Neves, 19, and Francisco Conceicao, 21.
Portugal will enter their Euro 2024 opener off the back of a 3-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in an international friendly, with Ronaldo scoring a brace.
The forward has now managed 130 goals in 207 appearances for his country, while he has found the back of the net on 14 occasions in this competition, which is comfortably the most of any player in history.