Cristiano Ronaldo anticipates being booed by Irish fans but hopes it will relieve pressure on Portugal teammates in crucial World Cup qualifier
DUBLIN: Cristiano Ronaldo expects hostile reception from Irish fans during Thursday’s World Cup qualifier but welcomes the attention to ease pressure on his Portugal teammates.
The 40-year-old forward cheekily celebrated Ruben Neves’ 91st-minute winner in front of Irish defender Jake O’Brien during last month’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon.
Ronaldo promised to be a “good boy” when Portugal face Ireland at Aviva Stadium in their crucial Group F encounter.
“The stadium will boo me, but I am used to it. I certainly hope they do. Maybe it will take the pressure off other players,” Ronaldo told reporters on Wednesday.
Unbeaten Portugal lead Group F with three wins from four matches and can secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup with victory in Dublin.
Ronaldo aims to feature in his sixth World Cup tournament, having scored over 950 goals for club and country throughout his legendary career.
Ireland sit third in the group, six points behind Portugal and one adrift of Hungary, needing at least a point to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ireland captain Nathan Collins previously expressed confusion about Ronaldo’s provocative celebration during their Lisbon defeat, suggesting frustration after his penalty save.
Ronaldo remains excited about playing in Ireland despite anticipating jeers from the Aviva Stadium crowd.
“Of course, it will be tough match. I hope they don’t boo me too much,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said. “I swear that I’m going to try to be a good boy.”
The Al-Nassr striker recently revealed plans to retire from professional football within “one or two years” after an unprecedented career spanning over two decades. – Reuters
