Ruben Dias Admires This About Cristiano Ronaldo
On the eve of Portugal's opening match at Euro 2024, defender Rúben Dias held a press conference where he affirmed that his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo embodies the notion that "one can dream and achieve great things" in football.
Poised to embark on his sixth European Championship, Ronaldo has become the focal point of the Portuguese squad. His teammates and coach, Fernando Santos, have lauded his remarkable presence, as evidenced by his impressive tally of 50 goals in 51 appearances for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia this season.
"Cristiano represents the idea that it's possible to dream and achieve great things. It's a pleasure to have him with us. Beyond all those little big things I've mentioned, it's important that he's here with us at this stage of his career," Dias stated.
When asked about the potential impact of Ronaldo playing in a league like the Saudi Professional League, Dias emphasized that his sole focus lies in what the entire Portuguese team can accomplish "as a unit." He further noted that the players come from various clubs and countries, and what truly matters is their performance during the Euro.
"We have experience with a mix of senior and young players. We all have experience at our respective clubs and are prepared for competitions like this. In a tournament like the Euros, you have to build team spirit," Dias declared.
While Dias refrained from discussing favorites in the competition, he made it clear that the Portuguese players are aware of their quality and potential to make a deep run in the Euro: "We need to be prepared and have the energy," he asserted.
For the Manchester City player, mental fortitude and consistency will be crucial, as these are among the most challenging aspects of football: "There are those who reach a high level, but then there are others who fall short. We need to stay grounded. Let's not stop challenging ourselves. If we want to achieve something special, it means growing, growing, and growing together to overcome all obstacles."
Finally, Dias addressed the new tournament rule that imposes a yellow card on non-captains who protest key decisions. "It's not easy to control. I think the only thing we need to do is to know how to control our reactions when they arise and be respectful of those in front of us. And say things in a respectful manner. There are ways to do it, and we can find the balance. Sometimes you react naturally, but you have to find the balance," he concluded.
