CRISTIANO RONALDO was spotted climbing through bushes to take photos with fans ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener against Czech Republic.
The 39-year-old is hoping to lead his country to glory this summer in what could be his final European Championship.
X / Alpriv1998Cristiano Ronaldo climbed through a bush to take a picture with fans[/caption]
X / Alpriv1998The Real Madrid legend took the photo through a metal fence[/caption]
Ronaldo has been at the centre of fan attention since arriving in Germany, with thousands flocking to Portugal‘s open training sessions in the hope of catching a glimpse.
He was grabbed by one person at the team’s first session last week before several others stormed the pitch.
However, he took the time to meet three patient fans before tonight’s match against Czech Republic.
Ronaldo climbed through a bush to get to the adoring supporters, who were standing on the other side of a metal fence.
Portugal Euro 2024 guide
CRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
How Portugal attack
Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defend
In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
He then took a phone and posed for a selfie with the trio before joining the rest of his team-mates.
The Real Madrid legend is expected to start for Portugal tonight.
He enjoyed an impressive campaign for Al-Nassr this season, scoring 44 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 appearances.
Ronaldo issued a message to his team-mates and fans on social media ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener.
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How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.
He wrote: “Portuguese, today begins another chapter in our history.
“I fondly remember my first day with the national team, a journey full of challenges and victories.
“Now I have the honour of being alongside a team of champions, full of talent and determination.
“With everyone’s strength and support, we can turn dreams into reality.
“Let’s fight together for another triumph. United we are unstoppable. Go Portugal.”