Speaking on the eve of Thursday’s match, Ronaldo addressed the anticipated reception with a mixture of humour and defiance.
“The stadium will boo me, I’m used to it, I certainly hope they do, maybe it will take the pressure off other players,” he told reporters. “What I want most is to enjoy myself. It’s not decisive but almost, we know that with a victory, we qualify. We want to finish it off now.”
Ronaldo might come across a familiar face in Ireland’s assistant coach, John O’Shea, as the pair were team-mates at Manchester United for six seasons.
“Well, if I see him around,” he said. “Of course he was a guy that I play so many years together. I have a very good relationship with him, not only him, but some Irish people. I have some relations, and it’s good.”
Then, with a wink, he added: “I repeat, I hope that no boo again against me tomorrow. For me, it’s it’s a pleasure to come in to play here again. I swear that I’m gonna try to be a good boy.”