Jabar Ekspres – Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo says he still wants to defend the Portuguese national team in various international tournaments, following his participation in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland.
“I will never give up on coming here (Portugal national team), because this has always been a dream for me,” Ronaldo said, quoted from AFP, Tuesday.
The 38-year-old added that this was his 200th appearance for Portugal in international matches, and showed how much he loved his country.
“Reaching 200 international matches is not for just anyone, it shows the love I have for my country and my team,” Ronaldo said.
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Ronaldo has scored four goals in three games since Roberto Martinez took over as Portugal coach earlier this year, but failed to score in last week’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It would be spectacular to crown my 200th international match with a goal,” added Ronaldo, the all-time leading international scorer with 122 goals.
“I’m not chasing a record. But I’m happy because it’s part of my motivation to continue at the highest level with the team. It’s something I never thought I would achieve,” he added.
Meanwhile, coach Martinez confirmed that the striker, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, will start the match.
“A player who reaches 200 international matches, it’s very unique (special). This is a source of pride for Portuguese football,” he said.
Portugal are already cruising towards a place at next year’s Euros in Germany, sitting top of Group J after scoring 13 goals without reply in three consecutive wins.
