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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a message ahead of their UEFA Euro 2024 opener against Czechia on Tuesday, June 18. He reminisced about his first day with the national team and urged his current side to fight for the trophy.
The Selecao are one of the favorites to lift the Euro 2024 trophy in Germany next month. They have a good squad and had an excellent qualifying campaign, winning all 10 games and keeping nine clean sheets. They are now looking to win their second Euro trophy, having won previously in 2016.
Ahead of their opening game against Czechia, Cristiano Ronaldo posted on X:
"Portuguese, Today begins another chapter in our history. I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories. Now, I have the honor of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination.
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"With everyone’s strength and support, we turn dreams into reality. Let's, together, fight for another triumph. United, we are unstoppable. Go Portugal!"
Portugal have been drawn in Group F at Euro 2024 alongside Czechia, Turkiye, and Georgia and are the overwhelming favorites to top the group.
Roberto Martinez on Cristiano Ronaldo's place in Portugal's squad at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal at Euro 2024, marking his record-extending sixth appearance at the tournament. He has been in excellent form as well, netting 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 games for Al-Nassr last season. He also scored 10 goals in nine games for the Selecao in the Euro Qualifiers.
Ahead of their opening game, manager Roberto Martinez insisted that Ronaldo is in the squad because of his ability and not just because of his name. He highlighted the legendary forward's form, saying (via Goal):
"Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games - consistent with his club in his league - and he scored [10] goals in our qualification rounds.
"He's a goalscorer and, for us, he's someone who can make that final move. He can stretch defences and open spaces. Over the years, he has changed his way of playing slightly, but I can only say that Cristiano is in the national team on merit and the numbers are there to back that up."
The Euro 2024 is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo's last major tournament with Portugal at 39 years old and he will definitely want to end with a trophy.
