- Portugal crashes out of Euro 2024 after quarter-final.
- Speculation swirls about Ronaldo’s international retirement.
- Ronaldo finishes Euro 2024 without scoring a goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence after Portugal’s disappointing departure from Euro 2024.
Ronaldo’s dream of securing another title in what was his sixth and potentially last European Championship came to an abrupt end last Friday. Portugal was defeated by France in the quarter-finals.
The intense match in Hamburg concluded with no goals scored during regular and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where France claimed a 5-3 victory.
Ronaldo expressed his feelings on Instagram, saying, “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each and every one of you. By by Portugal.” He continued to express gratitude for the support and achievements, stating, “We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far. On and off the field, I’m sure this legacy will be honoured and continue to be built. Together.”
As Ronaldo approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, there’s speculation about his future with the national team. Although he previously announced that Euro 2024 would likely be his final European tournament, it remains uncertain if he has played his last game for Portugal.
Following the penalty defeat to France, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez addressed questions about Ronaldo’s future, indicating that it is “too soon” to discuss retirement from international play. “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made,” Martinez stated during a press conference.
For the first time in his two-decade career, Ronaldo did not score in an international tournament, concluding his Euro 2024 run goalless.
Now 41, the question of whether the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United icon will play for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico remains unanswered.