FRANKFURT, July 4 – Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal confirmed that the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany will be the last edition of the tournament he participates in during his playing career.
Ronaldo, 39, is competing in his record sixth edition of the Euros. The next edition of the tournament will take place in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 2028 when he will be 43.
“Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is,” the veteran told Portuguese broadcaster 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?”
Ronaldo has made 211 appearances for Portugal since his debut in 2003. He has scored 130 goals for the team and helped them win the European title in 2016.
Portugal beat Slovenia in a penalty shootout in their round of 16 game at Euro 2024. Ronaldo missed a game-winning penalty in the second half of extra time, but converted his side’s first attempt in the shootout.
“It’s football; those who fail are those who try, too,” Ronaldo said. “I will always do my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not. 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. You can’t be afraid, I’ve never been afraid to face things head on, sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you’ll never hear from my name.”
Portugal will face France in the quarterfinals on Friday. When they won Euro 2016, they beat Les Bleus in the final at the Stade de France.
