Playing Euro 2024 aged 39 ‘a gift’ – Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo is feeling blessed to be playing in the upcoming Euro 2024. Ronaldo made his Euro debut as a teenager back in 2004. The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the best football players of this era and he still has the hunger to keep going strongly despite turning 39.

Ronaldo has an outstanding record while playing in Euros, as he has scored 14 goals in 25 appearances for the national team. The talisman also led Portugal to glory in Euro 2016 as they defeated France by 1-0.

“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.”

Ronaldo will play in his sixth European Championship, which is the most for any player.

“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.”

The Al Nassr star said he is in a good physical and mental state and thus he is confident of a good show in the upcoming tournament.

“The most important thing is that I am well physically and psychologically,” Ronaldo said. “I am prepared, I always prepare in the best way, I am 100% professional. I will be ready as always to help our country [at the Euros] and respect the coach’s decisions.”

Asked if they can replicate the feat of 2016, Ronaldo said: “The thought has to be that, be positive, take it step by step. Dreaming is free and this team has the talent to dream. Nothing can be achieved without work, we have to work and fight.

“We need to take advantage of this generation of talent to do something beautiful at the European Championship. But I repeat again: talent is not enough. We have to work. We want to start the European Championship in the best possible way.”

Portugal will kick off their Group F campaign against the Czech Republic on June 18.