Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at retirement from international football after leading his country to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Euro 2024. Ronaldo and Co. defeated Slovenia in the Round of 16 clash 3-0 on penalties after a thrilling 0-0 draw at the end of extra-time.
For CR7, this clash was an emotional affair as he missed a penalty in additional extra time but then stepped up to slot past Slovenia’s Jan Oblak in the penalty shootout. After the match, Ronaldo was in tears and then pointed out that the 2024 edition of the Euros would be his last.
It is, without doubt, my last Euro: Cristiano Ronaldo
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” Ronaldo said as per Portuguese outlet O Jogo. “But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me. It’s not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? “It won’t be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most,” he continued
Despite this announcement, Ronaldo isn’t showing signs of slowing down at the club level. He scored 50 goals for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League during the 2023-24 season. Further on CR7’s retirement, there have been multiple rumours that the 38-year-old could continue playing until the 2026 World Cup possibly revealing that the retirement might still be a few years away.