Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup with Portugal.
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for one last shot at World Cup glory. At the age of 41 he is still expected to lead the line for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Ronaldo enters the tournament after winning the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr for the first time.
He scored 10 goals for Portugal in World Cup qualifying, although his performances in the recent friendly warm-up matches have been disappointing.
Ronaldo’s former Portugal teammate Ricardo Costa is backing the national legend to play an important role for the team.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has what it takes
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of 19 former Manchester United players competing at the World Cup.
After another ex-teammate, Fernando Meira, talked him up, Ricardo Costa has broken down how the all-time leading international goalscorer will help, at his age.
Costa told SAPO that Ronaldo’s combination of hunger and leadership will be instrumental to his younger teammates.
He said: “So many years have passed and it’s clear that he still has an enormous hunger to win.
“His leadership on and off the field will be very important to keep everyone involved and for the country to be behind the team, knowing that he will give his all so that Portugal can go as far as possible
“We might think he’s tired and not in good form, but the ball gets into the box and he scores. He’s exceptional, and those kinds of players need to be on the pitch.”
Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal ahead of Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos.
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How long Ronaldo can continue
Cristiano Ronaldo has already defied the odds to still be playing at this high a level at his age.
Ricardo Costa is placing no limitations on how much longer Ronaldo can continue.
He said: “He’s an ambitious athlete who is never satisfied. It will be very difficult to know what he wants, because he will always want much more.
“If he feels capable, he will want to play for another one, two or three years. Only when the fire inside him goes out will he decide to end the excellent career he is having.
“Until then, I think there is no deadline in his mind, but a passion for wanting to score, win and be better than yesterday.”
Ronaldo has spoken publicly about his ambition to score 1,000 career goals. He is currently on 973.
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