Ronaldo causes EURO fever: 10,000 spectators come to watch training, crazy fans chase

Fan invades Portugal’s practice, takes a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo

A fan hugs Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal during the team’s training session in Gutersloh, Germany, June 14, 2024. /CFP

Portugal held their first training session on Friday ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Championship in front of nearly 8,000 fans. However, the session ended early after supporters breached the pitch.

Though security staff managed to stop most of the spectators, one of them reached Christiano Ronaldo and took a selfie with him before being taken away.

Portugal are in Group F with the Czech Republic, Georgia and Türkiye at Euro 2024 and will play the Czech Republic in their first game on June 18.

“I believe that this generation deserves to win a competition of this magnitude. Semifinals? I hope we can go further,” Ronaldo said. “We have to go step by step, live in the moment, be calm, work as well as we have until now, believe that it is possible. We know it’s a short competition, but the team is ready.”

A fan takes a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo (R2) of Portugal during the team’s training session in Gutersloh, Germany, June 14, 2024. /CFP

Ronaldo will play his record sixth edition of the Euros after winning the tournament for the first time in 2016 with two veterans, Pepe and Rui Patricio, of the current lineup.

“I enjoy football, records are a consequence, not a goal, they appear naturally,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner told reporters. “It’s my sixth European Championship, it’s about enjoying it in the best possible way, playing well and making sure the team can win.”

Portugal beat Ireland 3-0 in a warm-up on Tuesday. Ronaldo scored twice in that game, displaying good form before the Euros.

“It’s getting off to a good start which is essential,” Ronaldo said. “I feel ready, I’ve prepared myself for this competition. Anxiety is always there, that tingling in your stomach, especially the day before the game. I’m glad I feel it, when I don’t feel it, it’s better to give up and stop. I feel motivated and prepared. I see the team quite calm.”