Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Portugal in the Nations League and the Juventus star reveals how he keeps in shape at age 34.
“It's my country and wearing this shirt is a great honour. Obviously, being part of this competition is even more special, and scoring goals in it is the cherry on top of the cake,” he told UEFA.com.
His hat-trick against Switzerland set up tomorrow’s Nations League Final against the Netherlands and after a long hard season, CR7 is still in extraordinary form.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Portugal in the Nations League and the Juventus star reveals how he keeps in shape at age 34.
“It's my country and wearing this shirt is a great honour. Obviously, being part of this competition is even more special, and scoring goals in it is the cherry on top of the cake,” he told UEFA.com.
His hat-trick against Switzerland set up tomorrow’s Nations League Final against the Netherlands and after a long hard season, CR7 is still in extraordinary form.
“It's the preparation – my work ethic. I still feel good despite being 34 years of age. The most important thing is your head, to feel motivated and happy, and to follow my path as a player, because I think I still have a lot to give and I feel very good.
“The Netherlands are an excellent team. They have been playing pretty well. I've been watching them in recent matches and they have an excellent squad with great players – young players and more experienced players, which makes their team even stronger.
“We know that they will be quite a difficult opponent, but I think that for both Portugal and the Netherlands, this is simply what finals are like.
“When I pull on the shirt of the national team, it's a huge honour for me and it's a different feeling than it is playing for clubs. It's our country: my family is Portuguese, my friends too. I grew up in Portugal, so it's special to put on the shirt of the national team.
“And obviously, the chance to fight for trophies makes it even more special – like it was in EURO 2004 and EURO 2016, and how this competition will be now.
“We are positive; we are playing at home. I hope the stadium will be great, that there will be good energy, that this energy will be transmitted to us, and that everyone can be confident, because we will try to give our best. Together, we can become champions.”