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PORTUGAL

Cristiano reveals the secret to his success to UEFA.com

The Juventus striker spoke to UEFA as his national side prepare for the final of the first ever Nations League final against Netherlands.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal warms up during the Portugal Training Session prior to the UEFA Nations League Final between Portugal and the Netherlands at Boavista Football Clubs home ground Estadio do Bessa on June 08, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Dean MouhtaropoulosGetty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to UEFA as his Portugal side prepare to face Netherlands in the inaugural Nations League final in Porto on Sunday. The striker detailed the secrets to his success at the age of 34 claiming that preparation is key in his work: "The most important thing is to feel good mentally, be motivated and happy. I feel great and still have plenty to offer as a player".

Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Portugal Training - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - June 8, 2019 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during training REUTERS/Susana Vera
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Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Portugal Training - Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Portugal - June 8, 2019 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during training REUTERS/Susana VeraSUSANA VERAREUTERS

Playing with Portugal again. "It's always an honour to come back to the national team. It's my country and wearing the shirt is always an honour. Obviously, being part of this competition is even more special, and scoring goals in it makes things even better".

Sunday's final against Holland: "The Dutch have a great team. I've been watching them in recent matches and they have an excellent squad with both young players combining with more experienced players, which makes their team even stronger. We know that they will provide stern opposition but this applies to both finalists.

Third major final with Portugal. “When I wear the national team shirt it's always a huge honour for me and it's certainly a different feeling than it is playing for club sides. It's our country: my family is Portuguese, my friends too. I grew up in Portugal and it's that bit special to pull on the shirt of the national team. Obviously, the opportunity to compete for trophies makes matters even more special, as was the case at both Euro 2004 and 2016 and how things will be on Sunday.

PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-1 during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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PORTO, PORTUGAL - JUNE 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-1 during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 5, 2019 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Robbie Jay Barratt - AMAGetty Images

It will be three finals and I hope to win two of the three, this would be fantastic and I have hope aso does the team. We are positive; we are playing at home and I anticipate a great atmosphere at the stadium will be great. The energy will be transmitted to us and everyone can be confident as we will give our best. Together, we can become Nations League champions."