THE President of the Republic said today that he was certain that footballer Cristino Ronaldo “got the team’s boots in order”, but not “his dedication and love for Portugal”.
“He fixed the team’s boots, but I’m sure he didn’t fix his dedication and his love for Portugal and that the country will continue to count on him and his defense of the values of a country that he served with the national team shirt”, said António José Seguro, speaking to journalists in Madrid, at the end of the 30th Ibero-American Summit.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced today, at the age of 41, his withdrawal from the Portuguese football team, which he represented for 23 years.
Seguro thanked, “on behalf of Portugal”, Cristino Ronaldo for the way he represented the national team “and how he took and continues to take the name of Portugal to the four corners of the world”.
“I know that this is certainly one of the most difficult moments in his life as a footballer and I wish him all the best. In fact, I have already had the opportunity to do so”, added the President of the Republic, who considered that as head of State it is his responsibility to “thank all the Portuguese who honor the name of Portugal” in all areas.
In a written message published by the Presidency of the Republic, Seguro had already thanked Cristiano Ronaldo “for the way he represented the national team, inspired the Portuguese and took the name of Portugal around the world”.
“I imagine that this is one of the most difficult days in Cristiano Ronaldo’s sporting life, but I am sure that, as has happened so many times, he has the Portuguese by his side”, said the head of state in the same note.
António José Seguro expressed his certainty that “Portugal will continue to count on his love for the country, which he will always represent with the dedication he put into each training session, each game, each goal that filled us all with joy”.
“Best wishes, Cristiano. And thank you very much,” he added.
