Ronaldo retains dream of being champion

CRISTIANO RONALDO is devastated at Portugal’s defeat at Euro 2004 final against Greece but has not given up hope of being a champion.

The Manchester United forward emerged as one of his country’s best players in the tournament hosted by the Portuguese.

But he wept on the field after the final whistle, which signalled the 1-0 triumph for the determined Greeks.

“We had great expectations and it’s obvious that we are not satisfied with this result but we cannot take away anything from Greece,” said Ronaldo, the youngest player in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side.

“I don’t like their (Greece’s) style of football but they are worthy winners.”

Ronaldo, Maniche and Ricardo Carvalho have all been included in UEFA’s 23-man squad of the tournament.

And they will give Portugal an excellent chance of international glory in the future in either the World Cup or the European Championship.

“The most important thing is that we have shown throughout this tournament that this team is strong and that we have a bright future ahead of us,” said the ambitious 19-year-old.

“I want to be world champion and I want to continue to work hard in the next two years to achieve this. One day I hope that I can also lift the European Cup.”

Ronaldo was satisfied with his performances in his first major tournament, having earned a regular place in Scolari’s talented side in spite of just making six appearances for the green and red prior to the start of the tournament.

His goal against Holland in the semi-final stages, his second of the competition having scored against Greece in their opening game, opened the path for his team’s progression to their first ever international final.

“It would have been beautiful to have been European champion at the age of 19 but it was not to be and I have to be patient,” said Ronaldo.

“I have plenty of time in the future to achieve success.”

Some of the Portuguese players, like central defender Carvalho, enhanced their profiles during this tournament.

Among the clubs rumoured to want Porto central Carvalho’s signature is Real Madrid.

“I know that there have been contacts,” said Carvalho.

“I have several offers but it is Porto that has to make the decision.”

Carvalho, who was influential in Porto’s journey to Champions League glory two months ago, has had an outstanding tournament.

“I am very satisfied with my performances but very sad not to have been able to give our nation a title,” said Carvalho.

“We played better than Greece but we failed to take advantage of two opportunities.”

Carvalho, like his team-mate Ronaldo, looks to the future with optimism.

“We cannot put our arms down now,” said Carvalho.

“We wanted to win and we came so close but we have to keep on working, maintain the same fighting spirit to start our World Cup qualifiers with the right foot.”