Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the European Championship in Germany will “definitely” be the last tournament of his impressive career.
Euro 2024 marks Ronaldo’s maturity record-breaking sixth appearance in the European Championship.
The next tournament will be hosted by Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland in four years’ time, when Ronaldo will be 43.
“There is no doubt this is the last Euro [for me]Of course it is,” Ronaldo told Portuguese TV station RTP.
“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m emotional about everything football brings, about the passion I have for the game, the passion I see in the fans, my family here, the passion of the people… it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else can I do or win?”
Ronaldo, who debuted with Portugal in 2003 and won the tournament in 2016, is the men’s team’s all-time leading scorer with 130 goals.
“The most important thing throughout my journey is the passion I still have for this place,” he said.
“20 years representing and playing for the national team, bringing joy to people, to my family, my children, that’s what motivates me the most.”
Ronaldo’s mental strength was tested on Monday when he saw his 114th-minute penalty saved Slovenia Goalie Jan Oblak.
Portugal won their round of 16 tie, beating Slovenia on penalties in which Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all three Slovenian goals.
The Al Nassr Super star cried when the match had to go into a penalty shootout and he had to rely on his teammates for comfort.
“That’s football; those who fail are also those who try,” Ronaldo said. “I will always give my best for this shirt, regardless of whether I fail or not.
“As you can see, 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 whole team has to do it. You can’t be afraid, I’ve never been afraid to face things head on, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you’ll never hear from my name.”
Ronaldo, who holds the tournament’s all-time scoring record with 14 goals, has yet to find the net in Germany.
“Obviously it’s disappointing that we couldn’t score, but that’s football,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“In the end, a positive outcome is what matters most.
“I lost twice this year on penalties. [to Al Ain in a penalty shootout in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals and to Al Hilal in the King Cup of Champions final]and now i win
“I think sometimes football has to be fair, and it was fair because I think Portugal deserved to win.”
Portugal will now face France in the quarterfinals on Friday.
“Now we have a difficult match against France, who are considered the strongest candidates for the championship along with Germany And Spain“, Ronaldo said.
“But we’re going to play — this is football. The team is playing well, this is [win against Slovenia] is a source of energy for the whole team, and we will fight to the end.”
