Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is not fazed by speculation about his future ahead of Euro 2020, saying: 'Whatever comes next will be for the best, whether that's staying at Juve or getting a transfer'; defending European champions Portugal begin their campaign against Hungary on Tuesday
Monday 14 June 2021 18:12, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo says Portugal are not concerned about losing more players through Covid-19 infection after Joao Cancelo was forced to leave the camp ahead of Euro 2020.
Right back Cancelo had an excellent season with Manchester City and was one of Portugal's best players in their 4-0 friendly win over Israel last week but, following a positive coronavirus test, he was replaced in the squad by Diogo Dalot.
"I don't think it's a key factor. It's a shame Joao tested positive but everyone in our team is at peace, we don't talk about Covid-19 because we're all tired of this," said Ronaldo ahead of his side's first game against Hungary on Tuesday.
"We know how to live with it and deal with it, it's a sad situation but we're all focused. For many players this is their first Euros and nothing will shake us. We respect all the rules but we're just focused on playing, we're not thinking about anything else at all."
Ronaldo is about to play his ninth major tournament with Portugal, who are the defending European champions, and said he was as relaxed as ever, even though his club future remains unclear following reports he could leave Juventus before the start of next season.
"I've been playing at the highest level for many years so this doesn't faze me at all. If I were 18 or 19 maybe I'd have some sleepless nights but I'm 36 years old and whatever comes next will be for the best, whether that's staying at Juve or getting a transfer," he said.
"The crucial thing now is the Euros. It's my fifth Euros but for me it's like my first so I want to start on the right foot - we want to play a good match and have only good thoughts in our first match to our last."
Ronaldo heads into the Euros on 104 international goals, just five from matching former Iran striker Ali Daei as the top international scorer of all time, but he said he would much rather help his country retain the trophy.
"It's a nice record but I'm not thinking about it too much, winning the competition for a second consecutive time is a more beautiful objective," he said.
"It's obviously not the same team as in 2016, this is a much younger side with enormous potential. But how we do in the competition will tell us which team is better."
