This Tuesday evening, Portugal goes to Iceland for the qualifications of Euro 2024. A match which promises to be historic for Cristiano Ronaldo, who should celebrate his 200th international selection. At 38, CR7 does not intend to stop there despite his club situation.
Even in a quieter period of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reach historic milestones. It is in the Portuguese selection that the player of Al Nassr breaks incredible records. He is the top scorer in national football history as well as the most capped player. Always called up with the Seleçao, he played his 199th match as a starter against Bosnia on Saturday. This Tuesday, everything suggests that Roberto Martinez will also use it in Iceland. Cristiano Ronaldo will normally become the first player to reach 200 caps. A major feat for a player who has been challenged in recent months in Portugal.
Ronaldo did not see the arrival with Portugal
Indeed, the former Real Madrid player plays in the Saudi Pro League, a championship that is not competitive enough for the time being. European football turned its back on him after a chaotic end at Manchester United. In selection, he did not experience an easy World Cup, looking a little too old at times. However, Roberto Martinez reinstated him on his arrival. What comfort CR7 in his ambition: to continue as long as possible with Portugal, whatever his age. It will be impossible to ask him to retire from international football, and it will therefore be up to the coach to part with him if one day he no longer does the trick.
Cristiano Ronaldo anticipates jogo 200 e promisee não ficar por aqui. 🐐#sporttvportugal #PORTUGALnaSPORTTV #Portugal #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/2vjH1uVdtG
— SPORT TV (@SPORTTVPortugal) June 19, 2023
” I will stay here as long as me, the president (of the federation) and the coach believe that I can. I will never give up coming here, because it is always a dream. Reaching 200 international matches is not for just anyone, it shows the love I have for my country and our selection. Representing the national team is the pinnacle of career. I want to continue playing, to please my family, my friends and the Portuguese. (…) Do I hope to do more? Of course, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep walking. Live the moment, day by day, see my form. I think I’m still doing well, assisting, scoring goals and giving good performances. As long as I am motivated and those around me like my presence and my leadership, I will not abandon the national team in any way. As Bruno Alves said, I will not give my place for free “, he declared in a press conference.
This lover of records is all the more motivated as he still has a competitor for the number of capes. The Kuwaiti Bader Al-Mutawa (196 selections, 38 years old) is still active with his selection from Kuwait. Ronaldo intends to kill all competition, present and future, with Euro 2024 in sight. It would be his sixth European championship, another new record in his rich personal collection.
