Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned he’ll “attempt to be a superb 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 figuring out a victory will safe qualification to subsequent summer season’s match, 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 facet go into the sport figuring out they need to take one thing from it to maintain their World Cup hopes alive.
They’re presently in third in Group F, a degree 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 have 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 maintain his feelings in verify.
“I actually just like the followers right here. The help they provide to the nationwide workforce, it’s pretty. For me, it’s a pleasure to return and play right here once more,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“In fact, will probably be powerful. I hope they don’t boo me an excessive amount of tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to attempt to be a superb 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 will probably be troublesome.”
The previous Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus star added that the jeering will probably be “regular” given the Republic of Eire’s must 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, so that they attempt to make issues across the sport, to attempt to do issues,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“However we have now to be ready for a tricky sport. I feel will probably be similar to the sport they performed in Lisbon — they usually have an opportunity.
“They’re a superb workforce, so we’re ready. I feel Portugal can have a superb sport and can attempt to win the match.”
Ronaldo will probably be wanting so as to add to his exceptional document of 143 objectives in 225 worldwide video games as he closes in on a landmark 1,000 profession objectives.
Regardless of the quite a few accolades and information, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted a superb workforce isn’t at all times about people.
“A nationwide workforce doesn’t rely upon one good participant,” he mentioned. “But it surely helps to have good gamers who could make a distinction, particularly with objectives.
“It’s at all times good for me to attain objectives. I need to play on this subsequent World Cup, however we’ll take it step-by-step.”
