Former Real Madrid defender Pepe is convinced that fans will see the best of Cristiano Ronaldo in the knockout rounds of the European Championships, Soccernet.football reports.
The goals have not flowed the way of Ronaldo in Germany as the Al Nassr forward is still looking for his first goal at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old showed he still has the magic in front of goalkeepers after netting 35 goals in 31 appearances in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. But for all his troubles at the Euros, Ronaldo has only one assist to his name.
Still, Portugal had enough in the tank to finish as Group F winners despite losing 2-0 to Euro debutants Georgia.
The Selecao will face a tricky customer in Slovenia in the Round of 16. The Slovenians drew all their three Group C matches to qualify as one of the four top-ranking third-placed teams.
However, Pepe believes Portugal will be counting on Ronaldo to fire them into the quarterfinals and beyond.
“Cristiano thrives on goals – that’s a fact,” Pepe said, as per UEFA. “But have you seen how willing he is to help the national team on the pitch? It’s incredible.
“He’s the player with the most minutes in our team, aged 39. He’s doing very well. He’s going to be very good for this knockout phase of the tournament, and I hope – or I’m sure – that he’ll give us a lot of joy.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is appearing in his sixth EURO finals in Germany; he holds records for the most goals (14) and appearances (28) at the tournament.
Ronaldo hit five goals at EURO 2020, level with Czechia’s Patrik Schick as the tournament’s top scorer.