Ronaldo's views on records, rumours & Euro 2020
Manchester United and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to make history once again today, by becoming the first player to feature in five European Championships.
Barring any late fitness issues, the 36-year-old will lead his country out against Hungary at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and there will be over 60,000 fans in attendance to witness his achievement.
Ronaldo also needs only one more goal to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, although the ex-Red surprisingly admitted on Monday he is unconcerned by the personal feats on this occasion.
“I’m not overwhelmed by this record,” he said. “It is a good record but more important than this would be to win back-to-back Euros. It’s important that we start with a victory. The crowd will be on their side but it’s good to play in front of a crowd. I’m going to enjoy this and the team is ready.”
Ronaldo also needs only one more goal to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, although the ex-Red surprisingly admitted on Monday he is unconcerned by the personal feats on this occasion.
“I’m not overwhelmed by this record,” he said. “It is a good record but more important than this would be to win back-to-back Euros. It’s important that we start with a victory. The crowd will be on their side but it’s good to play in front of a crowd. I’m going to enjoy this and the team is ready.”
Ronaldo’s first European Championship was back in 2004 and, after taking part in the 2008 and 2012 tournaments, he proudly lifted the historic trophy in 2016.
This current Portugal team is arguably better than the one that achieved success five summers ago, with the likes of Ruben Dias, our own Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva rising to the fore as prominent players. Cristiano is not getting any younger, yet he remains confident of starring on the biggest stage.
This current Portugal team is arguably better than the one that achieved success five summers ago, with the likes of Ruben Dias, our own Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva rising to the fore as prominent players. Cristiano is not getting any younger, yet he remains confident of starring on the biggest stage.
“As a team we don’t know yet. It’s not the same tournament as 2016. This is a younger team with great potential. Only by playing will we know if it is better or worse than 2016. On a personal level, I am not the same player I was 18 years ago, or 10 years ago or five. We keep adjusting and adapting.
“The most intelligent thing about a footballer is the ability to adjust. I am more mature now. If a player wants to play for many years he needs to know how to adjust and adapt and the numbers speak for themselves. From 18 to 36 I have managed to adjust and adapt.
“I have always been able to win and on a collective level [be] part of a team that has been able to win. I have shown that the key is to adjust all along my career.”
“The most intelligent thing about a footballer is the ability to adjust. I am more mature now. If a player wants to play for many years he needs to know how to adjust and adapt and the numbers speak for themselves. From 18 to 36 I have managed to adjust and adapt.
“I have always been able to win and on a collective level [be] part of a team that has been able to win. I have shown that the key is to adjust all along my career.”
Ronaldo's top 10 goals for United Video
Ronaldo's top 10 goals for United
So, which is Ronaldo's best United goal? Watch this legendary countdown from 10 to one to find out...
Asked by the media about rumours he might leave Juventus this summer, Ronaldo issued a calm response that highlighted how he has become one of the most successful players of all time.
“I’ve been playing at the highest level for many years,” he said. “This doesn’t faze me at all. If I was 18 or 19 maybe I would have sleepless nights but I’m 36 years old and whatever comes will be for the best.
“Regardless of if I stay at Juve or I am transferred the crucial thing is the Euros. It’s my fifth but for me it’s like my first. I want to play well and have good thoughts from the first to the last match.”
“I’ve been playing at the highest level for many years,” he said. “This doesn’t faze me at all. If I was 18 or 19 maybe I would have sleepless nights but I’m 36 years old and whatever comes will be for the best.
“Regardless of if I stay at Juve or I am transferred the crucial thing is the Euros. It’s my fifth but for me it’s like my first. I want to play well and have good thoughts from the first to the last match.”
Back to Top