Sergio Busquets says he enjoyed playing against Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Spain v Portugal clash
One of the most memorable moments of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career was his hat-trick for Portugal against Spain in a 3-3 draw at the World Cup in 2018.
The two rival nations face off again tonight in the UEFA Nations League, with Ronaldo facing an old rival.
Sergio Busquets is one of Spain’s old guard, who has battled back and forth with Ronaldo for more than a decade, memorably through numerous El Clasico battles.
Busquets, 33, was quoted by Mais Futebol speaking ahead of the Spain and Portugal game, reminiscing about the clashes against the current Manchester United star.
Sergio Busquets relishes Ronaldo battles
Busquets said: “It was a very beautiful time to live and play against players like that, in teams like Real Madrid.
“It’s what all players want. I am very happy to be able to live these games and to continue playing these games, being available for tomorrow [Thursday], which is against a great team, with great players.”
Portugal want to make ‘best’ Ronaldo proud
Portugal goalkeeper Rui Silva says the team are determined to give a strong account of themselves at the upcoming World Cup.
He explained, via Mais Futebol: “I don’t know if it will be Cristiano’s last World Cup, but if it is, he deserves to say goodbye in the best way. Portugal, after what it has shown in recent years, is a candidate to win the World Cup.
“We know that we have very important players in world football, who play for the best clubs, and when you have players of this level, you have to aspire to those kinds of achievements.”
Portugal manager Fernando Santos was also asked to talk about Ronaldo in his press conference, and gave a brief but succinct response, stating, via A Bola: “Melhor do Mundo”, which translates to “Best in the world.”
Ronaldo is the all-time international record goalscorer with 115 goals to his name. He has an opportunity to add to this tally and stretch his lead, in upcoming Nations League games with Spain, Czech Republic, and two matches against Switzerland.
