Cristiano Ronaldo, a name synonymous with football excellence, continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable career spanned nearly two decades. Amidst speculations and critiques regarding his move to the Saudi Pro League and whispers of retirement, Ronaldo, at 38, remains a focal point of discussion regarding his future in the sport.
Portugal’s national coach, Roberto Martinez, recently revealed insights into Ronaldo’s long-term aspirations in football. Despite criticism for his choices in recent years, Ronaldo’s dedication to the sport remains unwavering.
In an interview with Freddie Ljungberg, Martinez shared a conversation with Ronaldo, indicating the star’s interest in continuing and reaching a milestone of 250 international matches. This ambition showcases Ronaldo’s commitment to extend his influential presence in football far beyond the current norms.
Ronaldo’s Journey Towards a New Milestone
Ronaldo’s recent achievement of playing 200 matches for the national team in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein, the highest number of appearances at the international level, has set him apart. Surpassing Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, who held the record with 196 games, Ronaldo is now eyeing the 250-match mark. He would need to participate in the 2026 World Cup to achieve this.
Remarkably, Ronaldo was instrumental in Portugal’s success in their Euro qualification, scoring 10 goals and being the second-highest scorer in the tournament. His journey towards this new goal exemplifies his enduring passion and relentless pursuit of excellence in football.