Football News: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Unwavering Dedication Inspires Portugal Teammates Ahead of Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old Portuguese legend, continues to be a driving force for his national team as they prepare for the Euro 2024 tournament. Despite his advancing years, Ronaldo’s dedication to fitness and performance remains unshakable, serving as a motivating example for his teammates.
Ronaldo’s Leadership Extends Beyond the Pitch
According to former Southampton and West Ham defender Jose Fonte, who is working as a BBC Sport analyst for Euro 2024, Ronaldo’s leadership extends far beyond the pitch. “He’s the captain of the squad and he’s always been a vocal guy, who talks a lot, but on or off the pitch he leads by example too,” Fonte revealed in his BBC column.
Fonte recounted how Ronaldo’s commitment to physical preparation would often inspire the entire squad to follow suit. “When he goes earlier than everyone else to the gym, or does his physiotherapy and is preparing his body and his mind, then he drags everyone else up with him as well,” Fonte said. “We would all do ice baths and saunas at 2am because of him, and as well as helping our physical recovery, the important thing is that we were doing them together, the whole squad.”
Ronaldo’s Unparalleled Mental Fortitude
Despite Portugal’s mixed results in the Euro 2024 group stage, where they topped Group F with two wins and a loss, Ronaldo is yet to find the back of the net. However, the team’s focus now shifts to their last-16 clash with Slovenia, which will be aired live on talkSPORT.
Fonte, who has worked closely with Ronaldo, emphasizes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unparalleled mental fortitude as a key factor in his longevity and success. “That drive is part of him, and it’s why he is still here now at Euro 2024 with Portugal at the age of 39,” Fonte said. “He is an animal who wants to keep on winning and winning. Not only is he the best, he wants to prove it as well.”
As Portugal prepares for their knockout stage encounter, Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire his teammates will be invaluable assets in their quest for European glory.
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