Cristiano Ronaldo will ‘never give up’ playing for Portugal
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Cristiano Ronaldo set a new men’s international record when he won his 197th cap against Liechtenstein in March.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LISBON – Cristiano Ronaldo said on Monday he would “never give up” playing for Portugal as he prepared 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. He made his debut in 2003 and led his country to victory at Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League three years later.
“I will never give up coming here (to the national team), because it’s always a dream,” he said in Reykjavik ahead of Tuesday’s match, which kicked off after press time.
“Reaching 200 international matches isn’t for just anyone, it shows the love I have for my country and my team.”
“Do I hope to do more? Obviously, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep on walking. Living the moment, day by day, seeing my form.”
He has scored four goals in three games since former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez took over as Portugal coach earlier in 2023, but drew a blank in last week’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It would be spectacular to crown my 200th international game with a goal,” added Ronaldo, the all-time scorer in men’s international football with 122 goals.
“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.”
It remains to be seen for how much longer he can play at the top level, but Martinez had only praise for his star striker, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia
“A player reaching 200 matches, that’s unique,” the Spaniard said. “It’s a source of pride for Portuguese football.”
While Martinez’s focus is on Portugal, his former side are in a bit of disharmony ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has rejected coach Domenico Tedesco’s comments that he walked out on the Belgium squad after being passed over for the captaincy, saying he left their training camp due to a knee problem.
Courtois played in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Austria but told Tedesco – who took over from Martinez in February
Thibaut Courtois celebrating his 100th match with the Belgian national team prior to the match against Austria on June 17.
PHOTO: AFP
Tedesco said Courtois was unhappy that striker Romelu Lukaku was given the captain’s armband for the Austria game, in the absence of injured regular skipper Kevin de Bruyne.
However, the 31-year-old Real Madrid custodian disputed that account and hit back at Tedesco.
“I want to make it clear it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly,” he said in a statement.
“I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach’s assessments do not fit with reality.”
Courtois who has 102 caps since making his national team debut in 2011, added he had never demanded anything from Tedesco and he had already spoken to Lukaku to clear things up.
He insisted he made himself unavailable after undergoing a check-up for a problem with his right knee. “The medical team of my club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp.”
His father, Thierry, also told Belgian media he had pulled out of the Estonia game with a knee injury but Tedesco dismissed this.
“I wish I could say it’s an injury but I can’t lie,” said Tedesco, who described Courtois as the “best goalkeeper in the world”.
“I always try to protect players but that’s impossible in this situation.” AFP, REUTERS
