Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has called the national team “the love of his life” and considers it “a gift” to still be playing at the highest level aged 39.
Ronaldo warmed up for his record-extending sixth European Championship by scoring twice in Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland to increase his international men’s record goal tally to 130.
“I know I don’t have many years of football left,” Ronaldo said. “It’s a gift to play year after year, after 35. I’m 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]. To score for the national team is special. The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream.”
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has represented Portugal since 2003 and lifted the European Championship in 2016.
“For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love,” he…
