Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong at the age of 38 as the striker scored two goals in Portugal’s 3-2 over Slovakia in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers on Friday (October 13) at the Estadio do Dragao.
With the win, the 2016 EURO winners sealed their spot in next summer’s European tournament with three games to spare in Group J.
Ronaldo’s future with the Portuguese national team was in doubt after an underwhelming 2022 World Cup campaign where he was benched in important matches by the previous manager Fernando Santos.
However, newly-appointed coach Roberto Martinez not only put all those speculations to bed but also made the 38-year-old footballer the centre of his plans.
Ronaldo is in red-hot form, especially with the national team as he scored seven goals during qualification for Euro 2024 and has extended his international goal tally to 125 in 202 matches.
He has also been in astounding form with his club, Al-Nassr, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has netted 11 goals and provided six assists in 11 matches.
Ronaldo remained hopeful that he would avoid any issues related to an injury and be able to represent his country in Euro 2024.
"I hope I will be at Euro 2024 as there is still a lot of time left. I hope I won't have any problem or injury, I hope to play," he told reporters following the clash with Slovakia.
"I left Portugal early but it will always be my home. They support me in every stadium in Portugal. The Portuguese must be congratulated too for the reception they gave us and this qualification is also theirs.
"I will go to Bosnia but I don't know what the coach will decide. I'm always available to help the national team and I love doing that and whatever the coach wants to do. All 24 players are ready to help."
Now that Portugal have qualified for EURO 2024, they are going to test new players in their remaining matches.
