Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned he’ll “attempt to be an excellent 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 event, which Ronaldo confirmed could be his final.
For the hosts, in the meantime, a ticket to soccer’s showpiece occasion is within the stability. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s aspect go into the sport figuring out 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, 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 rejoice 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 test.
“I actually just like the followers right here. The assist they offer 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 powerful. I hope they don’t boo me an excessive amount of tomorrow. I swear that I’m going to attempt to be an excellent 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 likely be tough.”
The previous Manchester United, Actual Madrid and Juventus star added that the jeering will likely 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, in order that they attempt to make issues across the sport, to attempt to do issues,” Ronaldo mentioned.
“However we now have to be ready for a tricky sport. I believe it is going to be similar to the sport they performed in Lisbon — they usually have an opportunity.
“They’re an excellent workforce, so we’re ready. I believe Portugal can have an excellent sport and can attempt to win the match.”
Ronaldo will likely 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 data, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted an excellent workforce is just not all the time about people.
“A nationwide workforce doesn’t rely upon one good participant,” he mentioned. “Nevertheless it helps to have good gamers who could make a distinction, particularly with objectives.
“It’s all the time good for me to attain objectives. I wish to play on this subsequent World Cup, however we’ll take it step-by-step.”