196-time capped Cristiano Ronaldo spoke extensively to the media in his home country on Tuesday. The Portuguese superstar spoke about his future with the national team. He also admitted that he had a difficult period.
Ronaldo, now 38, left the field in tears after the lost World Cup match against Morocco last December. After that moment, there was already a lot of speculation about the end of the international career of the all-time top scorer.
Nothing could be further from the truth: Ronaldo was on the list that was released by the Portuguese federation on Friday afternoon. He will be able to make minutes in the European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg. Martínez had no hesitation in calling up the top scorer.
Ronaldo opens the door for the European Championship and sees a top competition in the making in Saudi Arabia
“I’ve had time to think,” Ronaldo said of the choice to continue with the national team. Moderate form, a difficult period at his former club Manchester United and a disappointing World Cup brought the goalgetter to the ground with both feet. “I’ve been through some difficulties, but I didn’t want to throw in the towel. I encountered situations that I had never experienced before. Fortunately, the national coach is still counting on me. And that pleases me, because this is my home.”
That national coach is Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard starts his period with the Portuguese team this week and was eager to work with Ronaldo. “I had a conversation with him and said I want to bring Portugal back to the top. If he’s counting on me, I’ll be there. The coach has a new energy, a different aura. A fresh wind blows through the camp. Sometimes changes are needed in life, he’s one of those,” he said.
Ronaldo puts United behind him
“I’m going step by step now and I’m not thinking about the long term,” said Ronaldo when asked whether he will be present at the European Championship. “It’s not that I’m here for the first time. My role here has been the same for twenty years. The only thing that has changed is the mindset. Every player nowadays thinks he should be a starter. That was not the case before. I’m trying to help the younger players now, but I’m fit.”
His period in Saudi Arabia has ensured that. Ronaldo is back in top shape and pleasantly surprised in his new competition. He concludes, “Everything that happened has a reason. I have tried to learn from my departure from Manchester. Now I’m mostly happy. Saudi footballers have different qualities. I think in about five years it will be the fourth or fifth league in the world. And I play and score there.”
