Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has said that he experiences constant anxiety while donning the jersey of his country.
In terms of appearances made, Ronaldo presently holds the record for men’s international football.
The forward, a former member of Real Madrid and Manchester United, has played 199 times for his country and holds the record for most goals (122) and appearances in the history of the sport.
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.”
