Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo says 'the support Ireland fans give to the national team, it's lovely'

The 40-year-old insists he expects a tough game from Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025 - 21:55

John Fallon, Aviva Stadium

Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant he enjoys playing at the Aviva Stadium despite the likelihood of him being booed on Thursday once he leads Portugal into World Cup qualification battle.

Both teams are relying on a result from the penultimate qualifier – a win for Portugal to secure a place in North America next year and Ireland to keep alive their slim playoff hopes.

Last month’s meeting in Lisbon was the sole game in Portugal’s four so far for Ronaldo not to rattle the net. He cut a frustrated figure from striking the post and Caoimhín Kelleher saving his penalty. It took a stoppage-time winner from Rúben Neves for the hosts to sneak a 1-0 win.

Ronaldo also didn’t score on his last trip, the Dublin stalemate three years ago, but the 40-year-old will thrive on the reception he’s envisaging from the Irish crowd.

"I really like the fans here,” he said with stereotypical charm at the pre-match press conference.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he hopes Ireland fans don’t boo him at Lansdowne Road on Thursday as he looks for the win that confirms his place at his final World Cup @JFallonExaminer pic.twitter.com/GWDjKiE4l0
— Irish Examiner Sport (@ExaminerSport) November 12, 2025

“The support these fans give to the national team, it's lovely. For me, it's a pleasure to come and play here again.

"Of course, it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow. I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy.

"But of course, I do my job. I try to win the game and try to score to help my team. I'm sure that the game will be difficult."

His manager Roberto Martinez is forecasting a more adventurous Ireland to apply themselves on home soil, despite the nations being 57 places apart in Fifa’s ranking.

“I think we’ll see another side of Ireland tomorrow,” said the former Everton and Wigan Athletic boss about the underdogs, ravaged by missing injured trio Evan Ferguson, Robbie Brady and Jason Knight.

“Ireland are dangerous on the ball in their attacking threat. They use their deadball situations very well, from throw-ins in the final third to corners, as you can imagine.

“They have a system with three centre-backs, who have a lot of presence in both boxes.

“That’s a big part of this Irish team but if I was to highlight something, it’s the purpose and passion the players have to represent the Irish jersey.

“They are a well-organised, synchronised team and that’s difficult to get at international level, when you have only three days to work.

“The players are really committed and the coach gives really clear instructions. What we saw in Lisbon was a very well- organised team defending but with a lot of intelligence as well.”