Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he is always nervous when he wears the national team’s jersey.
Ronaldo is currently the highest appearance maker in the history of international men’s football.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has represented his country 199 times and is the highest goalscorer (122) and appearance-maker in the game’s history.
Speaking ahead of his team’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday, Ronaldo said (via Record Portugal): “I’m always nervous in the national team. With the anthem, I’m always nervous, it’s good. It’s a sign of responsibility, pride, motivation; representing the national team is the height of the career.
“Representing family, parents, friends … If I hope to do more. Obviously, that is why I’m here. That is why I keep on walking.
“Living the moment, day by day, seeing my form, I think I’m still doing well, helping, scoring goals and good performances. As long as I’m motivated and everyone else, if those by my side like my presence and leadership, I will not give up the selection in any way. As Bruno Alves said, I will not give away my place for free. Feeling like an asset is pride and motivation. What I want most is to help Portugal.”