Cristiano Ronaldo Aims for Euro 2024 Glory, Sets Sights on Record

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, is determined to make history once again at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The 39-year-old veteran believes his team deserves to add another major international trophy to their lone triumph at Euro 2016.

Portugal will kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic in Leipzig on June 18, with Ronaldo expected to start and extend his record-breaking appearances at the Euros to six. Roberto Martinez's side qualified with a perfect record and should progress with ease from Group F, which also includes Turkey and Georgia.

"I believe this generation deserves to win a competition of this magnitude," Ronaldo declared upon arriving in Germany, setting his sights on the Henri Delaunay trophy. The former Real Madrid star triumphed with Portugal in 2016 but limped off injured against France in the final, with Eder firing the team to glory in extra time.

Now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo netted twice against the Republic of Ireland in a tune-up friendly last week to extend his international goals record to 130. Thus far, 14 of those have come at European Championships, making him the competition's all-time top scorer ahead of France great Michel Platini on nine.

Ronaldo first appeared at the tournament in 2004 on home soil, scoring against eventual winners Greece on his Euros debut, and he has also struck in every edition since. The forward has 25 appearances at the finals, missing only one game at the tournament on the five occasions he has been selected as part of Portugal's squad.

If Ronaldo nets in Germany, he will become the oldest ever Euros goalscorer, with the current record set by Austria's Ivica Vastic in 2008, scoring at 38 years and 257 days old. "I enjoy football, records are a consequence, so for me it's not a target, because I think they come naturally," said Ronaldo. "I'm happy to have a sixth European Championship and it's about enjoying it in the best way, playing well, making sure the team can win, trying to give my all and enjoying it."

Despite his long and storied international career, Ronaldo said he still suffers with nerves after a men's record 207 caps for his country. "There's always that tingling in the stomach, especially the day before the game, but that's normal, that's part of it and I'm glad I feel it, because when I don't feel it, it's better to give up and stop," said the forward. "I still feel quite motivated, it's a different competition and we're all prepared."

Ronaldo's ambition is fuel for his team-mates to thrive on. "Knowing Cristiano, he'll always think big, and we'll keep up with him," Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot told a news conference Saturday. "He's the one who's won the most among us... if we all realise that we have to go step by step, we can go far and I'm confident of that."

While Portugal are among the favorites to lift the trophy, the Czech Republic have not gone beyond the quarter-finals for 20 years. Like their opponents, the Czechs have lifted the trophy on one occasion -- in 1976 as Czechoslovakia. A three-man defense with two wing-backs led by Slavia Prague's Tomas Holes must find a way to stop Ronaldo if they are to start strongly. However, few sides have managed that since Portugal's talisman took the stage two decades ago.

One of the few challenges left for Ronaldo at the tournament is to score a hat-trick, last achieved by Spain's David Villa in 2008.

Tags: #Euro2024, #CristianoRonaldo, #Portugal, #Football, #EuropeanChampionship