Portugal and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview broadcast late on Thursday there are “difficult battles” ahead if his country are to qualify for the World Cup for the sixth successive time.
Portugal, the 2016 European champions, face Turkey in a play-off semi-final in March before a potential final against Italy, the team that succeeded them last year as kings of the continent.
“It would be very sad if we did not reach our ob-jective, which is the World Cup,” the five-time Bal-lon d’Or winner told ESPN Brasil.
Ronaldo has not missed a major international tournament since mak-ing his debut for Portugal in 2003.
He has played in four World Cups and five Eu-ros, also reaching the final in 2004.
“In football and in life we go through difficult moments but what matters is the ability to get back up,” the 36-year-old said.
“We know we have difficult battles, first against Turkey.And if we win, I think it will be against Italy.
We will see.In March we will be prepared, it will be a battle, it will be great for football fans.
” Portugal host Turkey on March 24 while Italy enter-tain North Macedonia, with the final five days later.
—APP
