There are not many records left in football for Cristiano Ronaldo to set. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who already holds the honour of the most Euro finals appearances, 25, and 14 goals is set to break new ground.
Ronaldo will become the first player to feature at six of the tournaments finals if he gets on the pitch for Portugal in their opening Group F match against Czechia on Tuesday evening.
Germany is hosting the 17th edition of the tournament.
“I’m proud to be the first player to play in six Euro tournaments. I’m thrilled about it as it shows the longevity of my career,” the Portuguese star told the official Eufa Euro 24 website.
Ronaldo featured in the Euro finals for Portugal during the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 tournaments. He has also featured in five FIFA World Cup finals in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
“However, it’s merely a chapter in what Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in football. I’m happy and I feel privileged to be here to help the national team achieve its goals and, of course, try to go on and win it, which is our primary goal,” he said.
“I want to be a player who helps others,” the Portugal great said. “Year after year, we’re always trying to improve certain things. There’s always room for improvement. I think I am a complete player but there are always things I can perfect. And, with age, there are things we weren’t so good at in the past, and we start losing some abilities, so it’s important to try and adapt,” he said.
“That’s the key word. If a player wants to have longevity, they need to have a strong adaptability and the characteristics for that adaptation. That’s what I tried to do. It’s no coincidence that I have been playing for 20 years at the highest level, and maintaining that performance is very hard.
Ronaldo added that every professional player had their own style and that “leadership is based on who we are, how we feel, and what we’ve learnt during our journey as professionals”. – www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/
