Portugal were more than convincing in their ultimate test ahead of the upcoming European Championship. A 3-0 landslide win over Republic of Ireland was even better in terms of Roberto Martinez’s team performance. The ball was omnipresent in the opponent’s half for most of the game, with a fluid flow in the attacking third.Cristiano Ronaldo was in a particularly good mood. Even though he has been in distant Saudi Arabia for a year and a half, even though he is 39, the veteran netted a double and was a constant threat to the Irish goal.As rich as CR7: He’ll be 40 soon, yet he still jumps high above anyone else in the worldCR7 is aware that the end of a fantastic career is fast approaching and that the European Championship in Germany could be the last major competition where he will be able to make a difference. His idea is to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but by then, he will be 41 years old and, the question is how much he will be able to contribute.”I know I don’t have much time left in football. As the Spanish would say – every year that passes is a gift. Playing football after the age of 35 is a gift, and I’m 39 and that’s why I try to enjoy every season. It’s important to be physically and mentally prepared to help the team. And, as you know, I’ve always loved playing for the national team. I’ve been here for 20 years and I want to continue,” Ronaldo said after the game with Ireland.##NAJAVA_MECA_8154717##For the trophy goal scorer, the tournament in Germany will be his sixth participation in the European Championship, making him the continental football record holder. Nevertheless, he still welcomes the competition with the same passion as the first time.”I’m in love with football. Every match is special for me, and just imagine what it’s like when you play in the European Championship for Portugal. It’s a dream come true, just like when I was 20 years old”.Grande vitória, equipa! 🇵🇹 Rumo ao Europeu! pic.twitter.com/d82QPm1LGj— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 11, 2024 Ronaldo was cautios when talking about the chances of his team to maybe repeat the success of the national side that triumphed back in 2016.”It’s good when you stand firmly on the ground and your thoughts are in the clouds. Of course, we dream of winning the European Championship and no one can stop us from dreaming, and I’m sure that we are well prepared. We have talent, but talent doesn’t mean much because you nobody gives anything away. Everything has to be earned, and we are ready to work hard,” said the former ace of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus.Portugal play their first game against the Czech Republic on June 18. Their rivals in the group are also Turkey and Georgia.
