The Future of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal Shirt: Will He Hang Up His Boots?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 has left many wondering if this will be the last we see of him in the Portugal shirt. The team’s quarter-final exit has sparked speculation about his future in international football. Despite not looking his best throughout the tournament and failing to register a single goal or assist, a recent report claims that Ronaldo is determined to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bring the trophy home.
Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 campaign was a far cry from his usual standards. He struggled to make an impact on the pitch, and Portugal’s quarter-final exit was a disappointing end to the tournament. Even in the quarter-final clash against France, the team struggled to create clear-cut chances, ultimately losing in a penalty shootout.
However, according to a report by Relevo, Ronaldo is far from hanging up his boots. The publication claims that he has his sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and wants to become the first player in history to appear and score in six editions of the tournament. This ambition is understandable, given his impressive record in major international competitions.
Ronaldo’s season with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia was a prolific one, with 50 goals in all competitions. However, his form didn’t translate to the international stage, where Portugal struggled to find the back of the net. After Portugal’s quarter-final win against Slovenia, Ronaldo did hint that this would be his last European Championship.
In his post-match interview, Ronaldo said, "Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football gives you. These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I had to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but during the year I didn’t miss a single time and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it. The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, the team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end and if you analyse the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances."
While Ronaldo’s future in international football remains uncertain, one thing is clear – he still has a lot to give. Will he be able to turn things around and lead Portugal to World Cup glory in 2026? Only time will tell.
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