Latest news with #BernardoSilva
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Portugal praise veteran Ronaldo's 'hunger'
'It's tough, but he's here with us and we're happy he scored again,' said Bernardo Silva. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Germany on Wednesday. Picture: Catherine Steenkeste / Hans Lucas via AFP Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Cristiano Ronaldo's 'hunger' after the 40-year-old striker continued to defy the years with a 68th-minute winner which booked a spot in Sunday's Nations League final. Ronaldo club future in doubt Ronaldo came into the tournament amid swirling doubts about his future at club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June. In May, the Portuguese posted on social media 'the chapter is over' as reports emerged he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, in order to play the Club World Cup in the United States in June. But he left behind all the speculation as he knocked in his 137th international goal, extending his own record in his 220th game for Portugal. Ronaldo had missed a few half chances but after Francisco Conceicao had levelled after Florian Wirtz had put Germany ahead early in the second half, he was on the spot to tap in a Nuno Mendes pass which put Portugal on track for victory. 'It's his ambition to keep going,' Silva said of his long-time teammate. 'It's never easy — I don't know how old he is, I think he's like 40 — to still be hungry to go every day. 'He's been doing this for more than 20 years. It's tough, but he's here with us and we're happy he scored again.' The victory was Ronaldo's first against Germany, after five straight losses. Portugal last won against Germany in 2000. 'Difficult to put into words' Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed Silva's statements, saying his 'hunger' and desire to improve made him a unique figure in the sport. 'It's difficult to put into words. He takes each day as an opportunity to get better,' Martinez said. 'As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano.' The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also won praise from opposing coach Julian Nagelsmann, who singled out the veteran's professionalism as the reason for his longevity. 'He is investing everything in his body, from sleep to nutrition, to the intensity of his training, so that everything doesn't hurt as much as it should at 40.'
Japan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Portugal heaps praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after Nations League win
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "hunger" after the 40-year-old striker continued to defy the years with a 68th-minute winner that booked a spot in Sunday's Nations League final. Ronaldo came into the tournament amid swirling doubts about his future at the club level, with the veteran's contract at Saudi side Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June. In May, the Portuguese posted on social media "the chapter is over" as reports emerged that he could switch to another club, potentially Saudi side Al Hilal, in order to play at the Club World Cup in the United States in June. But he left behind all the speculation as he knocked in his 137th international goal, extending his own record, in his 220th game for Portugal. Ronaldo had missed a few first-half chances, but after Francisco Conceicao evened the score, after Florian Wirtz put Germany ahead early in the second half, he was on the spot to tap in a Nuno Mendes pass which put Portugal on track for victory. "It's his ambition to keep going," Silva said of his long-time teammate. "It's never easy — I don't know how old he is, I think he's like 40 — to still be hungry to go every day. "He's been doing this for more than 20 years. It's tough, but he's here with us, and we're happy he scored again." The victory was Ronaldo's first against Germany after five straight losses. Portugal last won against Germany in 2000. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed Silva's statements, saying Ronaldo's "hunger" and desire to improve made him a unique figure in the sport. "It's difficult to put into words," Martinez said. "He takes each day as an opportunity to get better. "As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano." The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward also won praise from opposing coach Julian Nagelsmann, who singled out the veteran's professionalism as the reason for his longevity. "He is investing everything in his body, from sleep to nutrition, to the intensity of his training, so that everything doesn't hurt as much as it should at 40."
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Bernardo Silva bitterly claims the referee 'doesn't know the rules' - after clashing with Florian Wirtz in Portugal's 2-1 Nations League semi-final win over Germany
Bernardo Silva hit out at the official in charge of Portugal's 2-1 Nations League semi-final win over Germany, claiming he 'doesn't know the rules'. The thrilling clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night was settled by Cristiano Ronaldo 's 68th-minute strike - his record-extending 137th at international level - which came after the sides had traded eye-catching finishes. Germany, who were looking to claim their first Nations League crown, took the lead in somewhat controversial fashion as Liverpool target Florian Wirtz headed home from close range with the aid of a block from Nick Woltemade, who appeared to be in an offside position. It was one of a number of strange calls from Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who needed only a glance at the pitchside monitor to confirm the effort, that raised the temperature in a feisty encounter. Silva took aim at the official as he praised his side for fighting back, first from Francisco Conceicao's stunner before Ronaldo's tap-in, and slammed Vincic for not understanding the rules of the game. 'A tough game, we expected that because they have a lot of quality,' the Manchester City star. 'Playing at home, we knew they were going to play with a lot of intensity, with a lot of energy like they always do. 'But today we played a good game. A lot of character, a lot of intensity as well from us. Going down 1-0 is not easy in the beginning of the [second] half even if the goal is offside, even if the referee doesn't know the rules but that's another question. 'We're happy we were able to come back.' On an eventful night in Munich, the 30-year-old and his compatriot Bruno Fernandes were among the Portugal stars involved in heated confrontations with Wirtz, who is expected to be lining up against the pair in the Premier League next season. Liverpool are pursuing a club record transfer of attacking midfielder Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen holding out for £120million for one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders. The Reds are currently at £109m, but reports suggest a deal is on the verge of being agreed, with personal terms not an issue. The 22-year-old won the praise of some Liverpool fans online for a crunching, studs-up tackle on Manchester United skipper Fernandes in the first half before later rowing with Silva. In the first half, Wirtz challenged Fernandes for a ball, but mis-timed his tackle and stood on his opponent's foot. Fernandes hit the ground in agony and hobbled through the remaining minutes up to half-time. Things then escalated in the second period. During a Germany attack, Wirtz as tripped by Silva on the half-way line and himself stayed on the ground in pain. A few minutes later, off the ball, there was an altercation. The two players - who could have been team-mates had City not pulled out of their pursuit of Wirtz - went almost head-to-head when Silva hit the deck, seemingly claiming he had been stood on. Wirtz tried to lift the 30-year-old up from the floor, but Fernandes raced in and pulled the German away from the scene. A pushing match ensued between a number of players, with Wirtz booked for his involvement. VAR deemed there was no foul play in his altercation with Silva. Wednesday night's result means Portugal will go onto play either Spain or France in Sunday's Nations League final, while Germany will face the other in a third-place play-off.
The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'hunger' fuels Portugal's charge into Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable appetite for success showed no signs of waning on Wednesday night as the 40-year-old forward fired Portugal into the Uefa Nations League final with a decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Germany. The Al Nassr striker, whose future at club level remains the subject of intense speculation, proved once again why he remains central to Portugal's ambitions, slotting home the winner in the 68th minute – his 137th goal in 220 international appearances. Midfielder Bernardo Silva, long-time teammate and admirer, was effusive in his praise for the veteran forward after the match. 'It's his ambition to keep going,' Silva said. 'It's never easy – I don't know how old he is, I think he's like 40 – to still be hungry to go every day. He's been doing this for more than 20 years. It's tough, but he's here with us and we're happy he scored again.' Ronaldo's goal, a simple finish from a Nuno Mendes cut-back, came after Portugal had equalised through Francisco Conceicao, cancelling out an earlier strike from Germany's Florian Wirtz. The win was all the more significant as it marked Ronaldo's first victory over Germany, ending a run of five consecutive defeats and handing Portugal their first win against Die Mannschaft since 2000. For Conceicao, the win carried extra significance, as his father Sergio scored a hat-trick the last time Portugal beat Germany – at the European Championship in 2000. Despite off-field uncertainty – with his contract at Al Nassr expiring this month and talk of a potential switch to Al Hilal to feature in this summer's Club World Cup – Ronaldo's focus remained razor-sharp in Leipzig. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez highlighted that relentless mentality as the defining factor in Ronaldo's continued impact at the highest level. 'It's difficult to put into words,' Martinez said. 'He takes each day as an opportunity to get better. As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano.' Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also tipped his hat to the Portuguese veteran, attributing Ronaldo's longevity to his meticulous approach to physical and mental conditioning. 'He is investing everything in his body – from sleep to nutrition, to the intensity of his training – so that everything doesn't hurt as much as it should at 40,' Nagelsmann said. Portugal will now meet the Netherlands in Sunday's final, with Ronaldo once again set to lead the line – driven, as ever, by the hunger that has defined his storied career.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Maya Jama joins Ruben Dias's Manchester City team-mates in mocking his 'geography teacher' outfit
Ruben Dias has been torched for his latest outfit by his Manchester City team-mates and girlfriend Maya Jama - despite dressing smartly. The defender was mocked for his sartorial selection as he arrived for Portugal duty, being compared to a 'geography teacher' in a post that left his pals in stitches. Dias had seemingly done little wrong, turning up dressed neatly in a light green checkered long-sleeve shirt, dark brown trousers, and polished black shoes. On Sunday he was revealed as the summer cover star for the quarterly luxury magazine Sports World, giving credence to his stylistic reputation. But none of that mattered to his tribe of team-mates, who, for whatever reason, tore apart Dias in the comments of his latest Instagram post. 'If I speak I'm in big trouble,' said Bernardo Silva, quoting Jose Mourinho. Bernardo Silva led the way with the comments, quoting Jose Mourinho in his mockery 'Honestly,' added Matheus Nunes alongside a sneezing emoji. One fan commented: 'When you have a geography class to teach but also training at 4.' And that was enough to reel in Love Island presenter Jama, who added her own sprinkling of ridicule with three laughing emojis. However, other people were more generous, with one on X saying: 'This is a generational fit.' Another said: 'Am I being daft, not entirely sure what's wrong with the outfit?' 'The outfit was so good tho,' wrote another. If there was any doubt at all about their union, Jama put it to bed last week as she shared a photo of her and Dias soaking up the sun on a boat during a romantic getaway in Italy. The presenter, 30, and the footballer, 28, are thought to have been secretly dating for several months, after they met at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November. Their romance was finally confirmed after they were seen showing affection at KSI 's Baller League event in April. The presenter has been seen at multiple football games over the last few months to watch Dias live in action for Man City. Footage of the pair last month showed them with their arms around each other before he leant into her neck for a peck, with Ruben flying under the radar in casual clothes and a cap. It is the first time they have been seen in public since they were thought to have started dating - though Maya has often hinted at the romance by sharing snaps of flowers she has been sent. Their appearance at the Baller League came just one day after she supported Ruben at Wembley on Sunday as his team Manchester City triumphed 2-0 against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals. During the last international break in March, Maya flew to Lisbon to watch him play for the Portuguese national team. She was pictured in the stands at the José Alvalade Stadium to witness Portugal's 5-2 victory over Denmark in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final. The presenter was seen with a friend and glasses of wine in a VIP hospitality box - usually reserved for friends and family of players. Maya then posted a picture on social media of the two celebrating together at their romantic fireside retreat at 3:30am the following morning. The snap is believed to have been taken at the footballer's home in the Cascais region of Portugal, with a vast swimming pool and fire pit glimpsed in the picture. They reportedly started dating in December, having met at the EMAs in November, which took place in Manchester. Rumours of the couple's romance only intensified in the days following Valentine's Day after Jama shared the bouquet of roses she received on her return to the UK from Cape Town following the conclusion of the 2025 Love Island All Star season. The pair were then spotted wearing matching Cartier 'LOVE' bracelets, which were listed at £5,050 on the store's website. Jama was seen wearing the pricey gift in the Instagram post before Dias was spotted wearing the same item as he arrived for training ahead of City's Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid in February. They have kept tight-lipped on the dating rumours - but in March, Gary Lineker seemingly confirmed their relationship by referencing the defender as Maya's 'boyfriend' to her face. After the incident, Maya did not deny Gary's claim and only labelled the Match of the Day presenter 'weird'. Maya appeared to be upset after the former England player put her on the spot and prompted further speculation.
