It is “without a doubt” that the European Championship in Germany will be the last tournament of Cristiano Ronaldo’s long and successful career.
Ronaldo has won a record six European Championships, and he will be playing in the 2024 tournament.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will hold the next European Championship in four years. Ronaldo will be 43 years old at that time.
“It’s definitely my last Euro,” Ronaldo told RTP in Portugal. “But it doesn’t make me feel anything.” I’m moved by everything about football—how much I love the game, how excited the fans are, having my family here, and the general passion. It’s not about leaving football. What else can I do?”
With 130 goals, Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer for men’s teams. He made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and won the event in 2016.
“The most important part of my journey has been maintaining my enthusiasm for being here,” said he.
“Representing the national team for 20 years and bringing joy to people, my family, and my children is what drives me the most.”
Ronaldo had to show how strong his mind was on Monday when Slovenia’s goalie Jan Oblak saved his penalty in the 114th minute.
Even so, Portugal won the match in the round of 16 by winning a penalty shootout. Slovenia’s goalie Diogo Costa saved all three of their shots.
The star player for Al Nassr broke down in tears when the game went to penalties and needed his friends’ help.
He said, “It’s football; those who fail are those who try.” “I will always give my all for this shirt, regardless of the outcome.”
“As you saw, I missed the penalty, but I wanted to be the first to take a shot in the penalty shootout. You have to take responsibility when the team needs you. I’ve never been afraid to face challenges head-on; sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is never an option for me.”
Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals scored in the history of the European Championship with 14, has yet to score in Germany.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating when we can’t score, but that’s football,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“In the end, the positive result was the most important thing.
“I lost twice this year on penalties—to Al Ain in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals and to Al Hilal in the King Cup of Champions final—but now I won.
“I think football sometimes has to be fair, and it was fair because I believe Portugal deserved to win.”
Portugal will now face France in the quarterfinals on Friday.
“We now have a difficult game against France, who are favorites to win the competition along with Germany and Spain,” Ronaldo said.
“But we are going to fight—we’re in this together. The team is performing well, and this win against Slovenia gave us a boost of energy. We’ll fight until the end.”
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