Manchester United's season has ended, but Cristiano Ronaldo's summer of 2004 has just begun.
Carrying the glory of the FA Cup title and the aura of a Ballon d'Or nomination, he immediately headed to the Portuguese national team's training camp to prepare for the European Championship held in Portugal.
At this time, the Portuguese national team was at the cusp of its "Golden Generation" and the rise of a new generation.The team boasted legendary superstars like Figo and Rui Costa, as well as key players in their prime such as Deco and Carvalho.The emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo injected the team with the most vibrant energy and boundless potential.
The atmosphere in the national team is completely different from that in the club.It brings together stars from various clubs, and the relationships are much more complex.Although Cristiano Ronaldo's performance at Manchester United is undeniable, in the national team, he is still a "little brother" who needs to learn from his senior teammates.
During their first joint training session, he could feel the scrutinizing gazes.Especially from Figo, the star player—those gazes held attention and appreciation, but also a subtle scrutiny and… a faint hint of competition.After all, everyone knew that this young man was seen as Figo's natural successor in the Portuguese national team.
During training, Ronaldo remained as dedicated and focused as ever.His technique, speed, and fighting spirit quickly earned the recognition of his teammates.However, unlike at Manchester United, he appeared more humble, paying more attention to cooperating with veterans like Figo and Rui Costa, and willingly starting as a winger and opportunist.
After a miscommunication during a training match, Figo frowned slightly.Ronaldo immediately raised his hand to indicate that it was his fault and ran over to Figo, exchanging a few words in Portuguese, seemingly discussing running routes.Figo listened, patted him on the shoulder, and nodded.
Head coach Scolari witnessed this and said to his assistant, "See?This kid not only has extraordinary talent, but also a mind and emotional intelligence beyond his years.He knows when to showcase himself and when to integrate into the team."
With the opening match of the European Championship fast approaching, all of Portugal is immersed in football fever.As the host country, the pressure is immense.
At the final press conference before the match, a reporter asked Ronaldo: "Is this your first time participating in an international tournament, especially on home soil?Are you nervous?What are your goals?"
Cristiano Ronaldo, wearing the national team's red jersey, faced the densely packed cameras below the stands, his expression solemn and resolute.
"It's an immense honor to play for the national team, especially to participate in the European Championship on home soil.Nervous?Perhaps a little, but mostly excited and eager." His voice was clear and strong."Like all my teammates, I have only one goal—to do everything we can to bring joy to the Portuguese people and fight to the very last moment!"
His answer won applause from the Portuguese journalists present.
After the press conference, he walked out of the venue, the Lisbon summer sun shining on him.Looking at the Portuguese flags and jerseys with his number printed on them everywhere on the street, he felt the heavy expectations on his shoulders.
This is no longer a competition at the club level; it's a fight for national honor.
At Manchester United, he conquered the Premier League and won his first major title.
And now, a brand new journey, carrying the hopes of the entire nation, lies beneath his feet.
He raised his head, his gaze passing through the bustling crowd, and looked towards the Bright Stadium in the distance, where the opening ceremony was about to be held.
That will be the starting point for his next conquest.