EURO 2024: PORTUGAL STRIKER CRISTIANO RONALDO CONFIRMS IT'S 'HIS LAST' TOURNAMENT
Portugal's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the the ongoing Euro 2024 is going to be the 'last of his career.' The 39-year-old old striker will be 43 by the time next edition kicks off in the United Kingdon and Ireland after four years.
"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is," said the star footballer to Portugal's TV's RTP.
"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?," he added.
Ronaldo, playing in his record-breaking sixth European championship, had won the tournament in 2016. The striker is all-time men's leading goal scorer with 130 goals to his name since making his international debut in 2010.
"The most important thing about the journey I've been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here," he said.
"It's 20 years representing and playing with the national team, bringing joy to people, to the family, my children, that is what motivates me most."
Portugal reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 after beating Slovenia in penalty shootout on Monday (Jul 1). They will be facing 2022 FIFA World Cup finalists France next for a place in semis.
In the match, Ronaldo missed a penalty kick in 114th minute of the game. Ronaldo had to be consoled by his teammate after breaking down in tears as the game went to a penalty shootout.
"As you saw, I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score [on the penalty shootout] because you have to take responsibility when the team has to," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner after the game.
Portugal eventually managed to win the match 3-0 in the penalty shootout.
2024-07-02T13:17:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd