Legendary Portuguese megastar, Cristiano Ronaldo says he considers it “a gift” to still be playing at the highest level aged 39.
Ronaldo, who called the national team “the love of his life” made this known after netting a record-extending brace for Portugal in a 3-0 victory over Ireland.
“I know I don’t have many years of football left,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he said. “Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record.
“Playing in 2004, when I made my [European Championship] debut, or playing today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Cristiano made his debut for the Portuguese National Team in 2003, and his efforts helped claim a first trophy for the Nation at the Euros in 2016.
He, alongside his teammates also won the inaugural UEFA Nations League (UNL) in 2019.
He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the Men’s International Football with 130 tallies to his name in 207 matches -another all-time high.
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