Cristiano Ronaldo loves representing the national team and couldn’t be happier to be back home. The Al Nassr player reaffirmed the importance of the change this Wednesday. Not to mention the end of an eight-year cycle with Fernando Santos, he recalled that “the environment is right now”.
“The players are very happy, the atmosphere is very good. As I said before, it’s a different chapter for all of us. The energies are good, positive, that’s the most important thing. There is fresh air now, different ideas and mentality . That is it.” it’s very good, you can see it a lot. I am very happy with the return, because I can help Portugal,” said the Al Nassr striker.
Does that mean that the environment used to be bad? “It was good too, but this is a breath of fresh air. It’s not better or worse, it’s like everything else in life. It’s been a nice change. If you ask the players, they’ll all say the same thing, it’s a different energy. Everyone thinks they will play in the starting line-up tomorrow,” the captain explained, pointing out that his role in the national team has always been the same over the last 10 to 15 years and that he will go to the national team as he thinks they have him.
The Al Nassr player also confirmed the importance of the change. Not to mention the end of an eight-year cycle with Fernando Santos, he recalled that “the motivation is intact, year after year”. “What I feel is like it’s the first time. I like playing with the national team. It’s been twenty years and being here isn’t easy. I’m really happy. If the coach thinks I am an asset, I will always do my best to bring Portugal to the highest level, me and my teammates. This is my home and I feel very comfortable here.”
In a press conference that was yet another declaration of love to the national team, CR7 defended that “only the change itself is positive”. Without opting for a grudge, with the latest events of corner kicks on his chest, when he retired as a starter in the 2022 World Cup and was publicly berated by then coach Fernando Santos, Ronaldo affirmed several times that “now the environment is good”, and one notices that “fresh air and new ideas”.
Why do you say that? “There are many different players, maybe the system will change, but it’s not for me to talk about that. Changes are good in life.” What we have experienced in the selection is very positive. You feel something special and positive. The intensity is very good, it’s different. I’m sure the roster will be prepared for whatever comes next. I’m sure Portugal will be a more attacking team,” the Al Nassr player replied.
“What struck me the most is the dynamics, always moving, not many stops. Always connected, that’s how I like it, that’s how I am in life. I learn a lot from young people, the new generation always has something to learn Because I I’m the oldest, I try to teach them something, I’m always ready to help, it’s in my DNA. We have a mixed environment, young and less young. The group is well divided. Things have gone well. Note that all players look forward to playing well. If you feel it, it’s good.”
At 38 years old, Ronaldo’s commitment to the national team is the same as on day one: “I think my role in the national team for the last 15 years, maybe ten, has always been the same. I will always go to the national team when they think they are counting on me. My motivation is intact, I’m here and it’s like it’s the first time. I like playing for the national team. I’m very happy, this is my home and I feel very good here.”
On whether he plays in the starting line-up and with whom, Gonçalo Ramos or someone else, CR7 recalled that he has already shared the attack with many forwards since making his debut for the national team at the age of 18. “I’m going to try to do what I’ve always done, be available, do my best. I will always be prepared and it’s up to the coach to decide what he thinks is best. One striker, two… We players always have to be prepared for what it takes and I, one more year, will be prepared,” he assured, after saying that he “feels really good physically”.
Speaking of the future and the desire to play Euro 2024 when he is 40 years old, Ronaldo said that the change he has undergone on a sporting and personal level has led him not to make any plans. “Step by step, I’m not making long-term plans today, I think so, my family too. As for Gonçalo Ramos, that’s a good question. He’s had an extraordinary season at his club. In the national team, it’s always good .” competence, otherwise the level of the selection will not grow”, the captain confessed.
Asked what he thought of the World Cup after the World Cup, Ronaldo reckons that if he was considering leaving the squad, he thought about it: “I’m not going to lie. In our life we have to push everything to a head.” dish. We thought, we thought, me and my family, but then we came to the conclusion that despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel. I was able to look at situations from different angles. I learned a lot from that. I’m happy to be back. The coach showed that he was counting on me. I’ve always wanted to play. As you know he talked to everyone and also to me. And I realized that I have a lot to give to the national team. I feel that, I want that and it is my desire to take Portugal to the highest level. I will always contribute when they need me.”
Finally, a look at the possibility of becoming the most capped player ever on Thursday. “Records are always positive things. It’s my motivation, I like to break them. I already have enough and tomorrow’s is special. I confess that it makes me proud. I would like to be the most international, but add more.” If you count me, I will always be available,” a happy Ronaldo admitted
Source: DN
