Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm whether he will retire from international football after this summer’s European Championship.
The Portuguese superstar made his international debut 21 years ago and helped them win the European Championship in 2016.
The World Cup has evaded Ronaldo in the only major trophy missing from his overflowing silverware cabinet.
Ronaldo will have hopes of winning a second European title this summer with Portugal and heads into the tournament in good form.
He played the full 90 minutes in Portugal’s final Euro 2024 warm-up game against Ireland and scored twice.
Cristiano Ronaldo turned 39 years old in February
REUTERS
The 39-year-old scored 10 goals during the qualifying campaign as Portugal topped their group.
He will be 41 years old by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place in North America.
And while Ronaldo admits retirement isn’t far away, he has hinted that the 2024 Euros won’t necessarily be his international swansong.
“I know that I don’t have many years left in football,” he said to SporTV.
“And as they say in Spain, every year is a gift that passes and I can continue playing.
“Playing after the age of 35 or 36 is already a gift, now I’m 39 and every year I try to enjoy it.
“The important thing is to be physically and mentally well to be able to help the team.
“And as you already know, I am united by a lifelong love for the national team. I have been here for 20 years and I just want to continue.”
He added: “I am in love with football. Every match is special, imagine in the Euro with Portugal, you feel proud… It is a dream, like when I was 20 years old.”
Ronaldo admitted last year that he considered retirement following Portugal’s exit from the 2022 World Cup.
But he revealed a conversation with Roberto Martinez helped convince him to continue playing international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice against Ireland
REUTERS
He said in March 2023: “I’m not going to lie. In our life, we have to put everything on the scale.
“We thought, we reflected, me and my family, but then we came to the conclusion that, despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel.
“I was able to see situations at different angles. I learned a lot from that.
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Cristiano Ronaldo considered international retirement after the 2022 World Cup
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“I’m glad to be back. Roberto Martinez showed that he counted on me. I’ve always wanted to play.
“As you know, he talked to everyone and to me, too. And I was able to realise that I have a lot to give to the national team.
“I feel it, I want it, and my desire is to take Portugal to the highest level. I will always give my contribution when they need me.”