Cristiano Ronaldo recently hinted that he will not be retiring from international football following Portugal’s heartbreaking exit from Euro 2024. Despite starting in all five games for Portugal during the tournament in Germany, Ronaldo failed to find the back of the net during open play for the first time in his illustrious career at a major international competition.
After Portugal’s quarterfinal defeat to France on penalties, Ronaldo took to social media to express his disappointment: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal.” Despite the defeat, Ronaldo expressed gratitude for the support from fans and vowed to continue building on the legacy he has established both on and off the field.
Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez stated that it was too soon to determine if Ronaldo had played his final game for his country. With 130 goals in 212 appearances for Portugal since his debut in 2003 and a Euro 2016 title to his name, Ronaldo has already hinted that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship. However, the possibility of him extending his international career to the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.
Portugal will resume action on September 5 with a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia. It will be interesting to see if Ronaldo will be leading the squad as they look to bounce back from their Euro 2024 disappointment. As a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo’s presence on the pitch will undoubtedly be crucial for Portugal’s hopes of success in future competitions.
Overall, Ronaldo’s commitment to representing his country and his determination to continue competing at the highest level despite setbacks demonstrate his unwavering passion for the game. While the Euro 2024 exit may have been a tough pill to swallow, Ronaldo’s resilience and dedication to the sport are qualities that have endeared him to fans around the world. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Ronaldo and Portugal, but one thing is for certain – the footballing world will be eagerly watching to see how this chapter in Ronaldo’s career unfolds.
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