Cristiano Ronaldo was the Portuguese player who was chosen to address the press in Munich prior to the Nations League final against Spain.
“Every game tells a different story. We beat Germany, and we hope that tomorrow will be a joyful day for Portugal. Final are so – Span not lost in 24 games, but Portugal also has their strengths, and we will step on the field and believe that everything is going well,” the attacker said.
A joke with the press
“I didn't feel like talking to you! (Laughs) Joking … When I wake up with a low feeling, I look for ways to lift my mind. I have done that all my life – not only in football, but also behind it.”
In the Spanish national team
“A part of my family is Spanish, so I have always had a special affection for them. Spain has always been one of the best teams in the world. They are a very capable side, especially with midfielders such as Pedri. A whole new generation has come up, including the coach, who increases the level for everyone. I have played against Spain many times.
About rumors about Roberto MartÃnez
“If a coach reaches the final, it is because he has done an excellent job. I find it astonishing that people are still questioning him. If someone is reaching the final and is still criticized, imagine the rest. There has been a real lack of respect. Language, sings the national anthem and brings passion every day.
Years without trophies
“Of course I missed the lifting of trophies. But there are years that you don't win – that's football. You can't win every time. Tomorrow is our last chance this season. It will be a tough game, but it is certainly possible.”
On his hat trick against Spain at the 2018 World Cup
“Life is made of memories – they form that we are. But over the years, football has taught me that the past is the past. We have to live in the present as if it is our last day. We are going to compete for a beautiful trophy – one that Portugal has already won and we want to win again.”
On Lamine Yamal
“He does it brilliantly, both in his club and with a national team that supports him. He is in the right environment to show what he can do. But to really enjoy such a player, we have to give him room to grow and illuminate the pressure. He is very talented. Every advice for Lamine? I will give advice to everyone who wants it – certainly in private.”
About comparisons with Yamal
“It has always been Cristiano versus someone – I am used to it. These are different generations; one has just begun and the other has been ready. They have to compare Lamine with vitinha, they are closer to age. But that is fine – I can make the criticism at the end. What is the most to play the most. Win – especially against a team that is probably the best in the world.”
On favorites for the Ballon d'Or
“Individual prizes have lost their consensus; I cannot say who should win. In my opinion, whoever stands out and win that the Champions League should take it. But there is no real agreement anymore. I don't put many shares in individual prizes because I know what happens behind the scenes. Lamine could win it, or Vitinha there are many of them.
At the World Cup Club
“It is irrelevant – the national team is what is important. Yes, there were many contacts – some seriously, some not. I am not going to the Club World Cup, although I have had many offers.”
When playing at 40
“I live from day to day, in the present – I don't think much about the future. That's how I have always approached life. I don't have many more years left – my career speaks for myself. But I enjoy the moment. Maybe I wake up and decide that I don't want to play it anymore.