"These are the kind of players that Roberto Martinez wants" - Ex-Portugal star says Cristiano Ronaldo will have maximum motivation for Euro 2024
Former Portugal international Beto Pimparel has stated that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will have maximum motivation heading into Euro 2024.
The former goalkeeper has spent a bit of time with the Al-Nassr striker representing the national team. Together, the pair made eight appearances across competitions beside one another.
Speaking about Ronaldo, Beto told Portuguese outlet Lusa Agency (via Record):
"Knowing Cristiano Ronaldo as I do, the motivation with which he goes into this European Championship is maximum. He is coming off a great season on a personal level, with many goals and he still has that hunger to continue scoring, being useful, and above all, to compete."
"These are the kind of players that Roberto Martinez wants in the team: talented, committed, and motivated."
As mentioned, the 39-year-old striker comes into this tournament on the back of a successful club season with Al-Nassr as far as goalscoring is concerned. He made 45 appearances across competitions for the Saudi Pro League side, bagging 44 goals and 13 assists in the process.
Ronaldo has already won this competition with Portugal back in 2016 when they beat France 1-0 in the final. Overall, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man has played 207 matches for his country across competitions, bagging 130 goals.
In their most recent friendly against Ireland on Tuesday (June 11), Ronaldo bagged a brace as his team won the contest 3-0. Their Euro campaign begins with a group game against the Czech Republic next Tuesday (June 18).
Cristiano Ronaldo says he's thankful to be playing at 39
Not many athletes can perform at the level Cristiano Ronaldo does at the age of 39. Thanks to his supreme fitness and work ethic, the Portuguese star has made himself available for Euro 2024.
Ronaldo recently stated that it would be a dream come true to win this year's European Championship. Speaking ahead of Euro 2024, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said (via ESPN):
"It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream."
Portugal are favourites to get out of their group comprising the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey. In Euro 2020, Ronaldo and Co. were eliminated in the Round of 16 stage after losing 1-0 to Belgium.