Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned he’ll “attempt to be boy” however expects to be booed by the house followers as Portugal tackle the Republic of Eire in Dublin on Thursday.
The 40-year-old will lead his nation out of their World Cup qualifier on the Aviva Stadium understanding a victory will safe qualification to subsequent summer season’s event, which Ronaldo confirmed would be his last.
For the hosts, in the meantime, a ticket to soccer’s showpiece occasion is within the steadiness. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s aspect go into the sport understanding they have to take one thing from it to maintain their World Cup hopes alive.
They’re at the moment in third in Group F, some extent behind Hungary with two video games remaining.
Final month, Hallgrimsson’s males suffered late heartbreak in Lisbon, the place a last-gasp winner from Ruben Neves noticed Portugal take all three factors after Caoimhin Kelleher had earlier saved Ronaldo’s penalty.
The Irish followers had been additional incensed after the Al-Nassr ahead appeared to have a good time within the face of defender Jake O’Brien.
And whereas he expects a hostile reception, Ronaldo mentioned he’ll attempt to preserve his feelings in verify.
“I actually just like the followers right here. The assist they provide to the nationwide workforce, it’s beautiful. For me, it’s a pleasure to return and play right here once more,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“After all, it is going to be robust. I hope they don’t boo me an excessive amount of tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to attempt to be boy.
“However in fact, I do my job. I attempt to win the sport and attempt to rating to assist my workforce. I’m certain that the sport can be tough.”
The previous Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus star added that the jeering can be “regular” given the Republic of Eire’s have to take one thing from the sport.
“It’s regular as a result of they know in the event that they lose tomorrow, they’re out, in order that they attempt to make issues across the recreation, to attempt to do issues,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“However now we have to be ready for a tricky recreation. I believe it is going to be similar to the sport they performed in Lisbon — they usually have an opportunity.
“They’re workforce, so we’re ready. I believe Portugal may have recreation and can attempt to win the match.”
Ronaldo can be wanting so as to add to his exceptional document of 143 targets in 225 worldwide video games as he closes in on a landmark 1,000 profession targets.
Regardless of the quite a few accolades and data, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted workforce is just not at all times about people.
“A nationwide workforce doesn’t depend upon one good participant,” he mentioned. “However it helps to have good gamers who could make a distinction, particularly with targets.
“It’s at all times good for me to attain targets. I wish to play on this subsequent World Cup, however we’ll take it step-by-step.”
