Cristiano Ronaldo Unfazed by Retirement Rumors: "I’ll Move On When the Time Comes"
Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed retirement rumors surrounding his international football career, stating that he has no plans to hang up his boots just yet. The 39-year-old Portugal legend has 130 caps and 130 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer and most capped player in men’s international football history.
Speaking after Portugal’s defeat to France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Ronaldo admitted that the post-tournament criticism has led to questions over his continued involvement with the national team. However, he reassured fans that he is not considering a premature retirement.
"When the time comes, I’ll move on," Ronaldo stated. "It won’t be a difficult decision to make. If I feel like I’m no longer contributing anything, I’ll be the first to leave."
Despite the disappointing outcome in Europe, Ronaldo, along with his 41-year-old teammate Pepe, is still an integral part of the Portugal set-up. The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend emphasized that he never considered walking away from the national team, citing his desire to continue playing and contributing to the team’s success.
Euros Exit Disappointment
Ronaldo and his teammates were undoubtedly disappointed with their Euro 2024 campaign, with many pundits and fans arguing that his involvement hindered the team’s chances of progressing deeper into the competition. In response, the forward stated that people’s expectations were too high and that he didn’t perform as well as he had hoped.
The Portuguese national team, once a power in international football, struggled to adapt to the fast-paced, high-intensity game. Ronaldo’s 39-year-old body began to show signs of wear and tear, and the lack of depth in the squad exposed by his age was apparent.
End of an Era?
As Portugal’s most experienced and capped player, it’s likely that Ronaldo will continue to play for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Although he didn’t confirm any plans for his immediate future, Ronaldo hinted that a decision will be made sooner rather than later.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper Pepe, who left the national team after the Euros, has already opted for a quiet retirement, allowing Ronaldo to carry on for the time being.
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