Cristiano Ronaldo Hasn’t Decided on Portugal Future amid Euro 2024 Exit, Coach Says
zach bacharContributor IJuly 6, 2024
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Portugal coach Roberto MartĂnez was noncommittal when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the national team following a Euro 2024 quarterfinal loss against France on Friday.
“It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made,” MartĂnez said, per ESPN.
Portugal was defeated in penalties by France, although Ronaldo converted his penalty after narrowly missing a chance to win the contest in extra time.
FOX Soccer @FOXSoccerRONALDO MAKES THE FIRST PENALTY FOR PORTUGAL
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The five-time Ballon d’Or award-winner has now gone nine games without a goal for Portugal, recording one assist in his five Euro 2024 matches without scoring. It represented the first major international tournament of Ronaldo’s career that he did not record a goal.
The 39-year-old confirmed that 2024 would be his last Euro appearance after previously winning the tournament in 2016.
“Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is,” Ronaldo said, via ESPN. “But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion … it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”
If his legendary career with Portugal does come to an end, his 130 goals still stand as the all-time international record. His next major opportunity to suit up for the national team will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Ronaldo will be 41 years old.
