Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has called upon the Republic of Ireland fans to boo him as he goes in search of appearing at an unprecedented sixth World Cup.
The veteran forward will lead his nation out at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening aware that Portugal are just one win away from booking their place at next summer’s global jamboree.
Ahead of the clash in Dublin, Ronaldo acknowledged that he may be treated to a hostile reception. He has, after all, scored four times against the Republic of Ireland over the years. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the seasoned professional not only welcomed the opprobrium but requested it for the betterment of his Portugal teammates.
“The stadium will boo me, I’m used to it,” Ronaldo shrugged in Wednesday’s prematch press conference. “I really hope they do that, maybe it will take the pressure off other players.
“What I want most is to enjoy myself. It’s not decisive but almost, we know that with a victory we qualify. We want to finish now.”
