A country’s hopes weigh heavily on Ronaldo’s shoulders

Cristiano Ronaldo may have appeared at the tail-end of Portugal’s golden generation of footballers but as the country prepares to begin Euro 2016 against Iceland today, he is all too aware of his role in the current squad.

“After Euro 2004, I’ve felt responsible for being part of this great generation,” he told Italian magazine Undici in a recent interview. “I know a lot of boys and girls look up to me today as an inspiration.”

Portugal hosted Euro 2004 in what was supposed to be the crowning glory of a group of star players such as Rui Costa, Fernando Couto and Luis Figo, who had dominated youth football several years earlier.

Then a 19-year-old, Ronaldo joined them, but instead of lifting the trophy as expected, Portugal ensured the tournament would become Ronaldo’s worst memory with their shock loss to unfancied Greece in the final.

Portugal have remained without a major title since. They were beaten by France in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals, and lost on penalties to Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

Over the years, Ronaldo has also become increasingly important for Portugal, as he grew into a global superstar. Indeed, it is clear that he has even single-handedly carried the hopes of his nation on the field at times even when it seemed obvious to everyone else he was not fit to do so.

For example, the Real Madrid striker played though injury at the 2014 World Cup and memorably said he would have felt better sitting out if Portugal “had another two or three Cristiano Ronaldos”. In his Undici interview, he unashamedly said he considered himself to be the best player of the last 20 years.

But now aged 31, time is running out if Ronaldo is to secure an international title to complement his clutch of club honours and the latest effort kicks off in St Etienne against minnows Iceland in Group F.

Ronaldo was Portugal’s top scorer in qualifying and netted five of their 11 goals in eight matches, and his compatriots hope he will be fit enough for the Euro after experiencing thigh muscle problems towards the end of Real Madrid’s season.

But Portugal coach Fernando Santos claimed before Portugal’s recent friendly against Estonia that Ronaldo is fully fit. The striker also scored two first-half goals in Portugal’s 7-0 win before coming off at half-time.

More importantly, said Santos, Ronaldo is determined to win silverware with his country.

“He is really motivated,” said Santos. “He was extremely motivated to win the Champions League (with Real Madrid) and he is even more so now because the European title is his ambition.

“He is ready to take Portugal to such an important success.” DPA