CRISTIANO Ronaldo is hoping to cap his staggeringly successful career with the Euro 2024 title.
The European Championship will kick off in Germany on Friday with Ronaldo’s Portugal one of the favourites to go all the way.
The 39-year-old superstar warmed up for his record-extending sixth European Championship with a brace in last night’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland to increase his international men’s record goal tally to 130.
“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.”
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has been representing Portugal since 2003 and helped them win the European Championship in 2016.
Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, is gunning for one more ‘special’ Euro title as his career winds down.
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” the Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia star added. “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.”
Portugal kick off their Euro 2024 Group F campaign against Czech Republic on June 18 before facing Turkey and debutants Georgia.
