Portugal star claims team ‘will do everything’ in their power to win Euro 2024 as a ‘gift’ for Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal defender Nuno Mendes has said that their squad will do their best to win UEFA EURO 2024 for Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary striker is currently playing in his sixth and final edition of the competition. He is the first player ever to do so, and he could also become the first to score in six editions.

Notably, this was also the first time Ronaldo hasn’t scored a goal in the group stage of a major competition. He did have a big chance to do so against Turkey, but he opted to pass the ball to Bruno Fernandes and pick up an assist. He will be looking to score in the quarter-finals when Portugal face France on July 5.

Nuno Mendes spoke about the legendary forward in a press conference after their Round of 16 win over Slovenia where Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score again. This will be the 39-year-old’s last EUROs, and when asked if this motivated Portugal to succeed, Mendes said (via A Bola):

“Yes, it’s his last European Championship, we’re going to do everything we can to offer him this European Championship as a gift.”

The full-back also compared Ronaldo and France superstar Kylian Mbappe:

“They are high-level players, even excellent, and can make a difference at any moment. It was a pleasure to be able to play with Mbappé and I have the pleasure of playing with Cristiano. We are prepared and will prepare our goals and game ideas to arrive at the meeting and be able to implement them in the best way.”

Mendes will be hoping that A Selecao can exceed expectations and get past France, who are seen as a strong contender for EURO 2024.

Sir Alex Ferguson questions Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to play for Portugal in 2026 World Cup

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to play at the highest level when the 2026 World Cup comes. The manager notably brought Ronaldo to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2003 while he was still a teenager. He helped him become one of the best players in footballing history.

However, Ferguson doesn’t see Ronaldo, who will be 41 years old when the World Cup starts, playing at that level. He said to SportBild (via GOAL):

“I can’t imagine that. Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller. In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.”

In the meantime, though, Cristiano Ronaldo will be focused on how far he can go with Portugal, as they continue their journey in the EUROs.