ZCZC
BSP-05
FBL-EUR-NATIONS-POR-NED-RONALDO
Ronaldo still hungry for more glory with Portugal
PORTO, Portugal, June 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he has
no immediate plans to retire from international football after helping
Portugal lift the inaugural Nations League on Sunday.
Ronaldo, 34, was a peripheral figure as Goncalo Guedes’s goal won an
underwhelming final against the Netherlands 1-0 in Porto.
But after sitting out the group stage of the Nations League on a hiatus
from international football, Ronaldo played a huge part in getting his
country to the final by scoring a hat-trick in Wednesday’s semi-final against
Switzerland.
And with a host of exciting young talent, led by Manchester City’s Bernardo
Silva, who picked up player of the tournament, Ronaldo is keen to hang around
for the chance at more international glory as Portugal look to defend their
European Championship title next year.
“Portugal has won important things like Euro 2016 and now the Nations
League. It may seem like an easy job but it’s hard, it takes a lot of
dedication and willingness,” Ronaldo told Portuguese TV station RTP.
“As long as I have the strength and motivation, I will continue to
represent the colours of Portugal.
“When I am with the national team I feel like at home.”
Victory was especially sweet for Ronaldo as the only surviving member of
the Portuguese side beaten on home soil by Greece in the final of Euro 2004.
“I have been with the national team for 16 years and I still feel the same
enthusiasm as when I was 18 years old,” he added. “I will always give my best
and the Portuguese are always on my side so I thank them for their enthusiasm
for me.
“I try to match that with good performances, goals, and help Portugal win
trophies.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0904 hrs