Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the ongoing Euro 2024 will be his last appearance in the European Championship. His decision came after Portugal scrapped past Slovenia 3-0 on penalties to book the quarter-finals berth.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me,” Ronaldo told RTP on Monday.
Ronaldo has been out of form in the ongoing European Championship as he failed to find the back of the net in the four matches for Portugal. He had a chance to break the duck against Slovenia in the Extra Time but courtesy of a terrific save from Jan Oblak he failed to find the netting.
The Portuguese captain was seemingly demoralised as he was reduced to tears and later consoled by his former Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot.
“Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments,” Ronaldo said about the moment.
“I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I was needed the most, Oblak saved it. At this moment I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. Sometimes football is fair and sometimes just, but we deserved to qualify. I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility. I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me,” he added.
Ronaldo is the record goal scorer in the Euro Cup with 14 goals to his name. He said that there is not much left for him in the world of football.
“It’s not about leaving the world of football,” he said. “What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”
