Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva said Friday that his team is prepared to handle the increased scrutiny following the international retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The squad faces Denmark on Saturday in a Nations League match that serves as the team’s first appearance since the superstar forward ended his storied career, according to Yahoo Sports.
Portugal has already secured a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning all four of its matches in Group A4.
Silva, who is set to inherit the captain’s armband from the 41-year-old veteran, acknowledged that Ronaldo had been the focal point of the team for two decades.
“Everyone knows the weight Cristiano carries,” Silva told reporters.
He added that the team is accustomed to the high-stakes environment of international competition.
“The national team players are used to the spotlight, the pressure, and the responsibility, as well as being pointed at when things don’t go well — so that’s not an issue,” noted the midfielder.
The Portuguese federation has planned a tribute for the all-time leading goalscorer prior to the match in Braga.
Media reports suggest that the squad will wear jerseys featuring the number seven, which was synonymous with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It remains unclear if the retired striker will attend the event, given his reported falling out with coach Jorge Jesus earlier this year.
Ronaldo, who debuted for his country in 2003, finished his international tenure with a world-record 234 appearances and 146 goals.
Coach Jorge Jesus praised the legacy of the former captain during his pre-match press conference.
“Nobody can forget Cris’s 23 years in the national team and everything he did,” Jesus told reporters.
The manager further stated that the tribute is a brilliant idea to ensure the team remembers the contributions of a true legend of Portuguese football.