Cristiano Ronaldo said on Monday he would “never give up” playing for Portugal as he prepares to make his 200th international appearance against Iceland in Euro 2024 qualifying. The 38-year-old set a new men’s international record when he won his 197th cap against Liechtenstein in March.🎙Cristiano Ronaldo: My journey with Portugal will not end soon. 🇵🇹🐐 pic.twitter.com/RYjrmRgkpZ— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) June 19, 2023 “I will never give up coming here to the Portugal national team, because it’s always a dream. Reaching 200 international matches isn’t for just anyone, it shows the love I have for my country and my team” he told a press conference in Reykjavik ahead of Tuesday’s match.##NAJAVA_MECA_7331137##Ronaldo has scored four goals in three games since Roberto Martinez took over as Portugal coach earlier this year, but failed to find the net in last week’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.”It would be spectacular to crown my 200th international game with a goal. I’m not chasing records, they’re chasing me. I’m happy because it’s part of my motivation to continue at the highest level with the team. It’s something I never thought I’d accomplish” added Ronaldo, the all-time men’s record international scorer with 122 goals.Modric & Co. were close but Spain win the Nations League with nerves of steelMartinez confirmed that the striker, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, would start the game.”A player reaching 200 matches, that’s unique. It’s a source of pride for Portuguese football” said the former Belgium boss. Portugal are already cruising towards a place at next year’s Euro in Germany, sitting top of Group J after scoring 13 goals without reply in three straight wins.© Agence France-Presse
