Silva: Portugal ready for spotlight without Ronaldo
BRAGA: Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva said Friday his team could cope with any extra pressure on them following Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement, ahead of their first match without the superstar forward.
Bernardo Silva, the Portugal midfielder, expressed confidence that his team was prepared to handle any pressure following Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football. Silva, who inherits the captaincy from Ronaldo, acknowledged that Ronaldo had been the main focus for much of the past two decades, but added that the national team players are accustomed to the spotlight, pressure, and responsibility.
Portugal will honor Ronaldo before their match against Denmark on Saturday, with the team potentially wearing the number seven jersey in tribute. The 41-year-old striker made his international debut in 2003 and went on to play a record 234 matches for his country, scoring 146 goals. Portugal's coach Jorge Jesus praised the idea of paying tribute to Ronaldo, stating that it is a reminder of his legendary status in Portuguese football.
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