Portugal head coach Fernando Santos is convinced superstar Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s ceaseless desire will see him continue to “give people joy” for several years to come.
Ronaldo, 34, netted a staggering hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-1 Nations League semi-final triumph against Switzerland. This teed up a final appearance against the Netherlands on Sunday for the underwhelming hosts.
The timeless Juventus icon’s trio moved him onto 88 goals in 157 Selecao matches – and his international boss does not expect him to slow down any time soon.
“I was surprised he was a great player at Sporting when he was 19 and when he went to Manchester United, I lost him. But from that moment I could see his special qualities,” he told a pre-match press conference, according to GOAL.
“He has proved from that moment that he has special qualities. He has proved himself on and off the pitch and he can continue to play at the top level for another three or four years.
“He is very fit. He trains to the limit. It is not normal to reach these performances, but I think he will continue for a while.
“He is the captain. He is a hugely important player. I think he will continue to give people joy at club and international level.”
Ronaldo also netted 28 times in 43 matches during his debut season at Serie A winners Juve. This followed July 2018’s €100 million move from Real Madrid.
