“Pain, uncertainty and constant work” Cristiano Ronaldo drops intriguing Instagram post ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for his 12th major international tournament with Portugal, and it may be his last. The 39-year-old isn’t getting any younger, and he’ll turn 41 when the 2026 FIFA World Cup swings around. The Al-Nassr superstar was excellent at club level last season, registering 44 goals in 45 games but failing to win any silverware.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will hope to do so with Portugal when Roberto Martinez’s men head to Germany for Euro 2024 later this month. He curiously took to Instagram ahead of the tournament and posted a motivational message written on a note with a love heart emoticon placed above it:

“3 aspects of reality: Pain, uncertainty and constant work.”

Cristiano Ronaldo endured pain last weekend when Al-Nassr suffered an agonizing loss to rivals Al-Hilal in the King’s Cup. His club lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Club and international football’s all-time top scorer slotted home his penalty, but it was in vain as the Saudi Pro League champions prevailed.

Ronaldo was spotted crying after Al-Nassr’s defeat as his mission to win major trophies with Al-Alami continued. He is taking time off ahead of meeting up with Portugal for Euro 2024. Martinez’s side got their preparations for the tournament off to a perfect start on Tuesday (June 4).

Selecao beat Finland 4-2 in a friendly at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with Ronaldo absent through rest. Ruben Dias, Diogo Jota (P), and Bruno Fernandes (2) were on the scoresheet for the hosts. The visitors hit back through Teemu Pukki (2). The legendary forward is also set to sit out other friendlies against Croatia (June 8) and the Republic of Ireland (June 11).

Also Read: Ben Doak withdrew from Scotland’s Euro 2024 Squad Due to Injury

Who will Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face in Euro 2024 group stages?

Portugal’s stellar Euro 2024 qualifying campaign earned them a spot in pot one during the draw for the group stages. Martinez’s troops were placed in Group F, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the 2016 winners.

Cristiano Ronaldo will expect to captain Selecao against Czechia (June 18), Turkiye (June 22), and Georgia (June 26). His nation are dark horses heading into the Euros and could replicate their triumph eight years ago. They may have to see off the likes of favorites France, England, and hosts Germany to get their hands on the trophy again.

Ronaldo will be eager to improve on his 2022 FIFA World Cup performance, where he managed just one goal all tournament. He has 128 goals in 206 caps, making him Portugal’s all-time top scorer.

Also Read: Top 10 players with the most assists in the history of UEFA EURO