"Don't remember any player who has had this longevity" - Portugal star on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of latter's 6th European Championship
Portugal star Joao Cancelo has waxed lyrcial of his captain, and ace scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo for his remarkable longevity. The 39-year-old is all set for a record-extending sixth European championship when he features at the UEFA Euro 2024.
In what's most likely his last Euro tournament, Ronaldo will have lofty ambitions for himself and his side. The Al Nassr star famously lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy in 2016, marking Portugal's first major international title.
Now at the showpiece in Germany, he will be keen for a second in the competition. Coming off the back of a record-breaking campaign for his club, Ronaldo is also among the top favorites for another Golden Boot. He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 with five goals. He scored a record 35 goals in 31 Saudi Pro League games last season and also contributed 11 assists.
Quite remarkably, his international debut for Portugal came way back in August 2003, over 20 years ago. The following year, when the Selecao hosted the Euros, Ronaldo was a part of Luiz Felipe Scolari's team. He registered two goals and assists each in six games in the tournament.
On Tuesday (June 18), the former Real Madrid ace will lead his side out at his sixth Euro Cup, a stupendous record. His teammate, Cancelo, is in awe of his longevity and holds him in high regard. He said in a pre-match press conference:
"It's 21 years, because he started in 2003. I don't remember any player who has had this longevity in a national team. He's at the head of our team, he's our captain. We're all very happy for having him here with us."
Portugal begin their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
Ronaldo aiming to score in his sixth European championship
Among many of his remarkable records at the Euros, the veteran holds the distinction of being the only player to have netted in five editions of the tournament. He could extend it to six if he scores at Euro 2024.
At Euro 2004, he struck twice, but could only find the net once in 2008. In the next two editions, the forward scored three times each, before seeing his best return of five at Euro 2020.
No other player in history has netted in even four European championships, with nine scoring in three Euro cups. It's a testament to Ronaldo's longevity and consistency.
Portugal have been drawn in a fairly easy group alongside the Czech Republic, Turkey, and debutants Georgia. Hence, one won't bet against the five-time Ballon d'Or from scoring again.