Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to take his stunning club form into Euro 2008.
Portugal winger looking forward to Euro 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to take his stunning club form into Euro 2008.
Ronaldo has been magnificent for Manchester United in the Premier League this season, scoring 19 goals.
He has found the target a further five times in the UEFA Champions League and scored three goals in the FA Cup.
But the winger is also looking beyond the end of the season to this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland, where he is hoping to make an impact for Portugal.
"I want to play at Euro 2008 as well as I have been playing in the Premier League," said Ronaldo
"I will be well prepared for the Championships. I believe that with my motivation level things will go well."
Ready for challenge
Portugal face Italy in a friendly on Wednesday and Ronaldo is looking forward to testing himself against arguably the best defensive side in the world.
"I have been showing in my club and national team my evolution as a player and as a person," he said.
"I am ready for the big challenges. Tomorrow (against Italy) will be another one.
"I will try to help Portugal and Manchester (United) reach our goals."
Uefa president Michel Platini stated this week that Ronaldo had to prove his worth in the latter stages of Euro 2008, because that is when all the best players will have the chance to be recognised on the same stage.
"I have nothing to prove to anyone," Ronaldo replied.
"A league is played over nine months and it is there where you can evaluate the great players. You cannot do it in short-term competition."