Eagle-eyed Cristiano Ronaldo fan claims he knows what the Portuguese star says to himself before taking a free kick - after forward hit post with a set piece effort against the Republic of Ireland

Inquisitive fans have claimed they have worked out what Cristiano Ronaldo said to himself before taking a free kick against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, 39, has netted 130 goals in 207 appearances for Portugal and scored two of these during his nation's 3-0 victory over Ireland.

After Joao Felix had opened the scoring in the game, Ronaldo made it two with a stunning left footed effort early in the second half, before he added a second soon after.

Ronaldo almost completed a hat-trick, but he struck the post with a superb long range free kick.

If his effort had gone in, it would've been the 64th goal from a free kick in Ronaldo's decorated career, with the Portuguese superstar known for his trademark style of taking them.

And one eagle-eyed fan has claimed they know how Ronaldo gets in the right zone before taking free kicks, which have accounted for seven per cent of his 895 career goals.

Taking to X, the fan posted a video of Ronaldo stepping up on Tuesday and revealed what the forward had allegedly said.

'Score it, score it, it's normal for you to score a goal,' he claimed Ronaldo muttered to himself.

Following the victory over Ireland, Ronaldo's full focus now turns to Euro 2024 in what will be his sixth European Championship, with Portugal drawn in a group alongside Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic.

In recent days, some have questioned whether Ronaldo should be included in Portugal's starting XI this summer - with Arsenal legend Paul Merson stating that he would bench the five-time Champions League winner for the group stages.

But, speaking ahead of their clash against Ireland, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez had insisted the veteran forward remains in his plans. 

'Tomorrow we have Ruben [Dias], Pepe and Cristiano. It's a perfect game to give minutes to the starters, but they will have minutes,' he said during a press conference on Monday.

Ronaldo has also been in fine form for his club side this season, scoring 44 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Al-Nassr and Martinez emphasised his experience and leadership qualities are integral to this team.

'It is important for us to attack and defend with eleven,' he added. 'Cristiano has brutal experience. There is no other player with this experience. He is a player who knows very well how to use space in the area and is a special finisher, a special player.

'Cristiano's focus, reaction to loss and defensive positions were perfect during the games we played, the last eleven games. So for me, there are no doubts, there are no worries.'