Cristiano Ronaldo assesses criticism and rejects the idea of being a reserve in the national team
The star introduces himself to the Portugal team after failing to make an appearance at the Euros and is asked about the possibility of being on the bench: “I will always have the idea that I will be a starter”
Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the main protagonists of the last Euro. But he is not usually one of those who scored goals in abundance. Rather, he is one of the few who did so. Back in the Portugal national team after failing to score in the tournament, the 39-year-old star was asked about the possibility of being a reserve. He was honest in his answer and said that he could not imagine the situation.
“I will always have, until the end of my career, the thought that I will be a starter”, reiterated the star.
– I respect the decisions the coach made, even though they also behaved badly towards me. When it goes against professional ethics, then there can be controversy, but that is a separate matter – said Ronaldo.
Cristiano tried out the bench in the last World Cup, in the round of 16, in Portugal’s rout against Switzerland. At the time, the Portuguese press reported a possible disagreement between the star and coach Fernando Santos over the decision .
Roberto Martínez took over the team in January 2023 and since then, the number 7 has resumed his position. Ronaldo cited his former Real Madrid and national team teammate, defender Pepe, as an example of vitality and good performance even after the age of 40 and rejects the idea of retirement.
– I feel happy, when that moment (retirement) comes, sooner or later, I will be the first person to step forward. It will be a normal decision. We have the example of Pepe, who left through the front door. All players have to think that they will always leave through the front door. I don’t see it with sadness, but rather with joy – he analyzed.
Cristiano commented on the criticism he received for his performance at the Eurocup and said he did not feel affected.
– Criticism is great, but if there is no criticism, there is no progress. It has always been like this and it will not change now. I try to help as much as I can, with my professionalism, goals, assists, discipline and example.
“Football is much more than that, especially people who think they know about football. It makes me want to laugh,” he declared.
With 130 goals for Portugal and one goal away from 900 in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo recently said he wants to reach 1,000. He, however, avoided projecting his presence at the 2026 World Cup, which would be his sixth in his career.
– I can’t answer that question (if he will be at the 2026 World Cup), the moment is good, we are going to start a new stage and we are going to live this moment that is positive, I am happy to be back in the national team. Trying to enter in the best way. There is still a lot of history in between.
Portugal returns to the field this Thursday, at 3:45 pm, against Croatia, at the Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, for the first round of Group A1 of the 2024/25 Nations League. Then, on Sunday, they face Scotland.
