Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Globo Prestigio award at the Portuguese Football Globes gala, and demonstrated his love for the Portugal national team by stating that "if I could, I would play only for the national team; I would not play for any other club because it is the culmination and the pinnacle of a footballer".

If I could, I would play only for the national team; I would not play for any other club

Cristiano Ronaldo

The 40-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Nassr F. C. in the Saudi Professional League, reflected on the perplexity in his speech after winning the Prestigio de Oro.

"I have several trophies at home, but I must say that this one is special and beautiful. Well, what can I say? I think it's all been said. I must confess that this afternoon I was at the table thinking about what I was going to say in this speech. I thought: 'What is a Prestige Award?'. I wonder if it will be an award at the end of a career. I got a little nervous and thought: 'It can't be'. So I did some research on perplexity (if you don't know, look it up) and got a little help. But seriously, this trophy is a great pride for me. I don't see it as the end of a career, but as the continuation of everything I've done, of my whole career. I've been with the national team for 22 years; I think that speaks for itself: the passion I feel for wearing the jersey, for winning trophies, for playing for the national team. I often say: 'If I could, I would play only for the national team; I would not play for any other club because it is the culmination and the pinnacle of a footballer'. That's why I'm still here," said the former Real Madrid player from 2009 to 2018.

I want to keep playing for a few more years, not many, to be honest

Cristiano Ronaldo

"I know you are probably tired of seeing me here, at these ceremonies. But I think I still have a lot to give to the national team and to football. I want to keep playing for a few more years, not many, to be honest. I want to thank all my teammates for learning from all of them, and even from this younger generation. For me, it is a privilege to be with you. Our goal is to win the next two games and be at the World Cup. The World Cup will come soon. We have to think solely and exclusively about the present, but with an eye on the future. It would be a dream. But step by step," said Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been capped 223 times by Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "I know I don't have many years left"

Cristiano stressed that the Globo Prestigio "is not an end-of-career award. I see it as a recognition of years of effort, dedication and ambition. I like to win, to help the new generations, and they also help me to maintain my level and to keep competing. That's what excites me: competing with young people. I still feel passion for this".

"People, especially my family, say to me: 'It's time for you to stop. You've done it all. Why do you want to score 1,000 goals?' But I don't think so. I think I'm still doing good things, I'm helping my club and the national team, and why not continue? I'm sure that when it's over, I'll feel fulfilled, because I gave it my all. I know I don't have many years left, but the few I have, I'm trying to enjoy them to the fullest," he said.