Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out on social media following Portugal's heart-wrenching elimination from Euro 2024 by France in a penalty shootout. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had previously announced that this tournament would be his final European Championship, sparking concerns that it might also mark the end of his illustrious international career with Portugal.
In his statement, the Al-Nassr forward expressed a sense of unfinished business with his national team. Ronaldo was seen consoling his long-time teammate Pepe, who is 41, after the painful defeat on Friday night. Today, Ronaldo took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his feelings about the match, asserting that Portugal 'deserved more.'
"We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far," Ronaldo wrote, reflecting the collective disappointment and gratitude of the team.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo hinted that he might not be ready to retire from international football just yet, despite confirming this would be his last European Championship. He suggested that his contributions to Portugal’s football legacy would continue both on and off the field. "On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together," he added, leaving a glimmer of hope for his fans that he may continue to represent Portugal in some capacity.
Ronaldo’s career with the national team has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has scored 130 goals in 212 appearances for Portugal, establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His recent comments, made to the Portuguese outlet O Jogo, emphasized the significance of Euro 2024 as his final European Championship, yet his latest statement leaves room for the possibility of future involvement with the national team.
In conclusion, while Portugal's journey in Euro 2024 ended in disappointment, Cristiano Ronaldo's words reflect a deep sense of pride and an ongoing commitment to his country. His legacy in international football, built over decades of unparalleled achievements, seems poised to endure, whether through continued play or other roles supporting Portuguese football.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, has faced a challenging Euro 2024, failing to score from open play and notably missing a penalty in Portugal's 1-0 victory over Slovenia in their opening knockout match. Despite this, the 39-year-old might still continue playing until the next World Cup in 2026. While he struggled at Euro 2024, Ronaldo was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season, demonstrating his ongoing pursuit of success despite questions about the league's standard.
Ronaldo shared his emotional connection to football in an interview with Portuguese outlet O Jogo, expressing that his passion extends beyond personal accolades. "I don't get emotional about that," he said, "I get emotional about everything that football involves. Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that 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."
Ronaldo's missed penalty against Slovenia was a particularly heartbreaking moment, as he was denied by goalkeeper Jan Oblak during their last-16 clash. This missed opportunity left Ronaldo in tears, reflecting the immense pressure and frustration he felt. During the break between full-time and extra-time, Ronaldo's emotional outburst was evident.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez commented on Ronaldo's tears, attributing them to frustration. Martinez praised Pepe, another veteran of the team, calling him a role model in Portuguese football. "What he did tonight and in the tournament will stay with us for the next generations," Martinez said.
There is still uncertainty about Ronaldo's future with the national team. Pepe has hinted that he has already made a decision about his future and will reveal it soon, but Ronaldo's plans remain unclear. Martinez avoided making any definitive statements about whether the match against France was the last for either player, acknowledging the team's raw emotions and the need to process the defeat before making any decisions. "No," Martinez said after the match, "Everything is too raw. We are still suffering the defeat. There's no individual decisions at this point."
In summary, while Euro 2024 might be Ronaldo's final European Championship, his future in international football remains uncertain. His passion for the game and his desire to bring joy to his supporters continue to drive him, leaving the door open for potential appearances in future tournaments.
Write a comment