Cristiano Ronaldo Addresses Retirement Plans Amidst Portugal’s Euro 2024 Exit
LISBON: At a press conference ahead of Thursday’s Nations League match against Croatia in Lisbon, Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, spoke about his future plans for both club and country. Despite failing to score during Portugal’s quarter-final exit from this year’s European Championship, Ronaldo confirmed he has no immediate plans to retire from international football.
“When the time comes, I’ll move on. It won’t be a difficult decision,” Ronaldo said, expressing his belief that he still has much to contribute to the Portuguese team. He mentioned his former teammate Pepe, who retired last August at the age of 41, as an example of someone who exited the game on his own terms.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has participated in a record sixth European Championship this year. Despite facing some criticism, Ronaldo asserted he “never considered leaving the national team” and continues to have the support of coach Roberto Martinez.
“People’s expectations of the national team were too high,” Ronaldo remarked, adding that challenging times in football “allow you to evolve.”
Following Thursday’s game against Croatia, Portugal will stay in Lisbon to face Scotland on Sunday.
