Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned football player for Portugal, has declared that the current Euro 2024 will be the “last of his career.” After four years, the 39-year-old striker will be 43 when the next edition begins in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned football player for Portugal, has declared that the current Euro 2024 will be the “last of his career.” After four years, the 39-year-old striker will be 43 when the next edition begins in England and Ireland.
“It’s the final Euro [for me], without a doubt,” the great football player told Portugal’s TV station RTP.
“But that doesn’t make me feel anything. It’s not about quitting the world of football; it’s about the passion of people, the game, my family, and everything that comes with it. I find myself moved by everything that football includes. What more can I accomplish or win?” he said.
2016 saw Ronaldo win the competition while competing in his record-breaking sixth European championship. The striker, who made his international debut in 2010, now stands as the all-time men’s top goal scorer with 130 goals.
“The most important thing about the journey I’ve been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here,” he stated.
“It’s 20 years representing and playing with the national team, bringing joy to people, to the family, my children, that is what motivates me most.”
Portugal defeated Slovenia in a penalty shootout on Monday, July 1, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championship. For a spot in the semifinals, they will next play France, the 2022 FIFA World Cup finalists.
In the 114th minute of the contest, Ronaldo failed to convert a penalty kick. As the game proceeded into a penalty shootout, Ronaldo broke down in tears and needed his teammate to comfort him.
After the game, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remarked, “As you saw, I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score [on the penalty shootout] because you have to take responsibility when the team has to.”
In the end, Portugal prevailed 3-0 in the penalty shootout.
