On Monday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed criticism towards some Portuguese national team players while accepting another award.
With an incredible record of 133 goals in 213 matches for Portugal and years spent as captain in major tournaments, Ronaldo is widely regarded as the greatest Portuguese player ever.
The 39-year-old has received numerous prestigious accolades throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Ors and three Best FIFA Men’s Player awards. ..Continue Reading
While receiving yet another major honor, Ronaldo voiced his disappointment in certain Portuguese players for a specific reason.
At the Quinas De Ouro gala in Lisbon on Monday, he was presented with the Platinum Quinas, an award organized by the Portuguese Football Federation recognizing his role as an ambassador for Portugal.
In his acceptance speech, the forward spoke of the pride he feels playing for his country and expressed frustration over Portuguese players who lack the motivation to aspire to the national team.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, he said: “When I joined the national team at 18, my dream was to win my first international cap. I’ve now reached 25, 50 and why not 100? And why not 150, 200? It’s a huge sense of pride.
“Even after winning so many trophies, there’s nothing better than playing for the national team, friends. That’s why I’m disappointed with some players who don’t want to represent Portugal.
“Enjoy the national team, it’ll go by quickly.”
Having scored 908 goals throughout his career for club and country, Ronaldo also spoke on his desire to reach a four figure goal tally.
“I now face my life as living in the moment. I can’t think long term anymore. I said publicly that I wanted to reach 1000 goals, but it seems that now everything is easy, just last month I reached 900.
“It’s about living in the moment, seeing how my legs will respond in the next few years. If I reach 1000 goals, that’s fine, but if I don’t, I’m already the player with the most goals in history.
“Portugal is a great country and we have to think like that. We have everything, we are an extraordinary country”, added the striker.
