New Delhi, June 12 -- Cristiano Ronaldo expressed strong optimism on Friday as he prepared to depart Lisbon with the Portuguese national team for its World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida. At 41, the captain is set to appear in a record sixth FIFA World Cup 2026. He spoke with confidence about the team's readiness and the hard work already completed during preparation.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his positive mindset clear before the flight. "We are approaching this competition with a lot of hope," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. He described the training as intense yet productive. "The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard," continued the veteran Portugal captain, who insisted he was "physically good...