Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Final Euros Tournament for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP on Monday that the upcoming European Championship would be his last. He stated, “This is definitely my final European Championship. However, I’m not emotional about it. What moves me is everything that football represents — the passion I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans and family, and the affection people show me,” Ronaldo remarked after Portugal’s tense victory over Slovenia, securing a 3-0 win in the penalty shootout to reach the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo hasn’t had the best tournament, with the 39-year-old failing to score in the four matches he has played so far. He had a golden opportunity to break his scoring drought against Slovenia in the Round of 16 when Portugal was awarded a penalty in extra time. However, Jan Oblak made a terrific save to deny the Al Nassr player.

Shortly after, the Portuguese captain was seen in tears as the team huddled ahead of the second half of extra time. Opening up on his emotions, Ronaldo conceded afterwards, “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.”

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Ronaldo Reflects on Penalty Miss and Team Victory, Affirms Dedication to Portugal

“I didn’t make a single mistake this year, but when it mattered most, Oblak saved it. I missed the penalty at that moment, but the most important thing is that the team won. I lost twice in penalty shootouts this season and won the third time. Football can be fair or unjust, but we deserved to qualify. I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I succeed or fail, and I believe in taking responsibility. I’ve never been afraid to face challenges head on. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is not in my vocabulary,” Ronaldo said.

As one of the most prolific scorers in football history, with a record 14 goals at European Championships, Ronaldo now finds his main motivation in “making people happy.”

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