Ronaldo: 'What other records are there for me to break?'

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo sees breaking records as motivation to continue playing at the national team level and aims to win Euro 2024 with Portugal.

* Iceland vs. Portugal: 1:45 AM tomorrow, June 21st, Hanoi time.

Ronaldo during Portugal's 3-0 victory over Bosnia in the third matchday of Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers on June 17. Photo: AFP — Ronaldo during Portugal's 3-0 victory over Bosnia in the third matchday of Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers on June 17. Photo: *AFP*

Ronaldo will become the first male footballer to reach 200 caps for his national team if he plays when Portugal visits Iceland at the Laugardalsvöllur stadium in Reykjavík in the fourth matchday of Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers today. In his previous 199 matches, he has scored 122 goals and provided 43 assists.

At the pre-match press conference on June 19th, when asked about setting a new record, the 38-year-old striker said: "Tomorrow will be a beautiful, round number that no one has ever reached before. But honestly, I don't chase records, they chase me. This is something I never thought I would achieve, and I am continuing to set records."

According to Ronaldo, playing his 200th match for the Portuguese national team is a significant milestone. Ronaldo would be proud to reach that milestone, affirming that such records motivate him to continue playing at the highest level for the national team and to aim for new achievements.

Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in a friendly against Kazakhstan in 2003. At just 18 years old, he came on as a substitute for the legendary Luis Figo. Ronaldo scored his first goal for Portugal in his eighth match, against Greece. In September 2022, Ronaldo became the all-time leading scorer for a national team, surpassing the previous record of 109 goals held by former Iranian striker Ali Daei, and currently has 122 goals. Furthermore, he is the first player to score in five European Championships and five World Cups.

"What other records are there to break?", the 38-year-old striker asked with a smile. "I honestly don't know. I know there are records I already hold. What I want most right now is to win and participate in Euro 2024."

Ronaldo (fourth from the right) on the training pitch with the Portuguese national team on June 19. Photo: FFP — Ronaldo (fourth from the right) on the training pitch with the Portuguese national team on June 19. Photo: *FFP*

Ronaldo has already won two major titles at the national team level, with Portugal winning Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League 2019, but he doesn't want to stop there. "I am happy and ambitious to continue making history for Portugal," he said. "I hope Portugal can win even more titles. 200 games is proof of my love for the national team, an asset that gives me pride and motivation. What I want most is to help Portugal."

In January 2023, Ronaldo ended his European career and signed a two-year contract with Al Nassr. He scored 14 goals in 19 appearances for the Saudi Arabian club, but did not win any titles. Al Nassr finished second in the Saudi Pro League, and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup and the King's Cup.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo maintains that he is still playing well, scoring goals, demonstrating leadership skills, and motivating his teammates. He insists he will not retire from the national team unless he is no longer valued and called up by the coaching staff and the Federation. "Representing the national team is the pinnacle of my career," Ronaldo stated. "I want to continue playing, making my family, friends, and Portuguese fans happy. As Bruno Alves said, I won't give up my place for free. It's been a long journey, but I hope it won't end anytime soon."

Hong Duy

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