Cristiano Ronaldo wants to take his stunning club form for Manchester United into this summer's European Championships.
The Portugal winger faces an early test with an international friendly against the defensive might of Italy in Zurich tomorrow.
"I want to play at Euro 2008 as well as I have been playing in the Premier League," he said.
"I will be well-prepared for the Championships. I believe that with my motivation level things will go well."
Ronaldo is the top goalscorer in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad with 20 goals in 53 appearances.
"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."
President of UEFA Michel Platini said this week 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.
But Ronaldo, who turned 23 today, is the Premier League's current top scorer with 19 goals and said his league form is proof enough of his ability.
"I have nothing to prove to anyone," he said.
"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."
"I want to play at Euro 2008 as well as I have been playing in the Premier League," he said.
"I will be well-prepared for the Championships. I believe that with my motivation level things will go well."
Ronaldo is the top goalscorer in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad with 20 goals in 53 appearances.
"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."
President of UEFA Michel Platini said this week 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.
But Ronaldo, who turned 23 today, is the Premier League's current top scorer with 19 goals and said his league form is proof enough of his ability.
"I have nothing to prove to anyone," he said.
"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."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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