Cristiano Ronaldo ‘thrilled’ with Portugal’s new generation of players, but believes country’s future lies with the present
Cristiano Ronaldo has been enjoying a productive relationship with Portugal for the past several years.
The Real Madrid star has spent much of his career with Portugal, including his seven years in the country’s first team.
Cristiano Ronaldo on his return to Portugal
He played for the nation at the 2014 World Cup, scoring an important goal in their opening win over Germany before a penalty shoot-out with Croatia saw them overcome the rival nation, who had won 2-0 in the opening game.
The 2016 Euros tournament, which featured as much Portugal’s famous attacking talents as Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals, have seen the likes of Toni Kroos, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more of the world’s best players come to Lisbon.
It is yet to be seen, however, whether Ronaldo will return to represent Portugal after the 2018 World Cup, although it is not out of the question that it could be in the future.
Ronaldo, who was named the best player of the 2017 World Cup, still has the desire to continue his career and for his country to have a strong team to compete with the likes of Argentina and Spain.
He said: “I am really proud to see that my country is doing better now with players like Toni Kroos, Luis Bolanos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo.
“I am really happy to see the improvement in my country, the progress that we have made with younger players.
“I am glad to see the growth of our clubs. When I was on holidays in Rio de Janeiro this summer, I was able to watch the two Copa Libertadores finals and the friendlies against Atlético Mineiro [in Brazil] and in the Super Cup.
“It was a great spectacle, to see young players like Neymar, David Neia, Iker Casillas, and especially those in the club that are in the same age group with me, like Marcelo,” he said.
Ronaldo has had a productive relationship with Portugal for the past several years. He played for