Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of slowing down as he will become the first male footballer to play 200 international caps.
The veteran Portugal captain will achieve that record if he features in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland.
“For me it is a very important milestone,” Ronaldo said ahead of the match as quoted by ESPN.
“That means a lot. Being my 200th game I will be the first in history to do it, I am very proud because this is something I never thought I could achieve, but I have to keep going. I have so much more to do .”
“Tomorrow is a round, a beautiful number that nobody has. I say it sincerely, I don’t follow records, they follow me. I am happy, that is also my motivation to continue playing at the highest level in the national team. It is something that has never been I thought I would. And I kept setting records.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a long and distinguished international career. He is the top scorer in men’s international soccer with 122 goals.
Ronaldo also became the first person to appear and score in five European Championships.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo became the first male soccer player to score at five different World Cups.
“What’s left to beat?” asked Ronaldo with a laugh. “I don’t know. I know there is a record that I hold. What I want most is to win and follow the road to the European Championships.”
Cristiano Ronaldo who made his international debut in 2003 and has two major honors with Portugal. He led his country to success at Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League three years later.
“I am happy and ambitious to continue to make a lot of history for Portugal,” he said. “I wish we could win more titles. Two hundred games played prove the love I have for my country. Feeling like an asset gives me pride and motivation. What I want most is to help Portugal.”
And Ronaldo, who has scored 14 goals in 16 league appearances since joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January after leaving Manchester United, said he still thought he had much to give his country.
“I will stay here until I, the [football federation] president and the coach believe I can. I will never give up coming here, because it has always been a dream. Representing the national team is the pinnacle of my career. I want to keep playing, make my family, friends and portuguese are happy.
“Did I expect to do more? Obviously, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep going. Living the moment, day by day, looking at my performances. I think I’m still doing well, assisting, scoring goals and putting in good performances. good. As long as I am motivated and the people around me like my presence and leadership, I will not give up the national team at any cost.
“As [former Portugal defender] Bruno Alves said, ‘I’m not giving my place away for nothing.’ It’s been a long journey, but it won’t end soon, I hope.”
