The now 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo admits that he no longer plans for the long term. The world footballer still has big goals for the 2024 European Championship.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still an important part of the Portuguese national team at the age of 38.
IMAGO/AFLOSPORT
It was only a matter of time, since the 3-2 tremor victory over Slovakia it has been fixed: Portugal is one of four teams that has already been confirmed as a participant for the 2024 European Championship – thanks to an impeccable qualifying record of seven wins from seven games and an impressive goal difference of 27:2.
Leader despite advanced age
Formative figure in the Selecao team: The three-time world footballer and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Having disappeared somewhat from the European scene since the beginning of the year with his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the now 38-year-old once again demonstrated his goalscoring qualities against Slovakia and scored twice.
They were his number six and seven goals in the current competition. And that, mind you, although “CR7” had to watch the 9-0 record win against Luxembourg, which was responsible for a third of the Portuguese goals, with a yellow card.
It is hardly surprising that the attacker, known for his never-ending ambition, set himself ambitious goals after reaching the European Championship finals. “I hope I’ll be in the final again,” said Portugal’s record international player (202 games) and goalscorer (125 goals), who won the European Championship title with his country in 2016.
I’m not saying I’ll keep playing until I’m 45 or something, such deadlines don’t help
In Portugal’s greatest success to date (a 1-0 win over France in extra time), the Selecao captain was forced to watch from the 25th minute onwards after an injury in the early stages. Ronaldo also knows that injuries do not necessarily become less likely with increasing age. “I hope I don’t have any problems, no injuries, that I can play again and be in the finals, but there’s still a long way to go. I hope I don’t have any problems.”
“I don’t set myself any goals, I think in the short term. It’s just going step by step now. I feel good,” he added. “I’m not saying I’ll keep playing until I’m 45 or something, such deadlines don’t help. It’s just about enjoying every moment.” True to form, Ronaldo wants this on the biggest stage possible next summer.
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