- Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed to fans what he plans to do after Euro 2024
- The Portuguese star is in his sixth European Championship, having won one in 2016
- LISTEN: Join us as we discuss the BIGGEST topics of conversation It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed to his fans his vision for his future in international football.
The Portuguese star is playing his sixth European Championship and eleventh major tournament, having already won the European Championship in 2016.
On Monday night he burst into tears as he watched Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak save a penalty in extra time, before tapping in his second in a triumphant penalty shootout.
The longevity of a 39-year-old player who has played 1,266 games in his career is a miracle and fans have been debating for years how much longer he can keep going.
“It’s definitely my last European Championship,” Ronaldo said via the Portuguese media Oh Jogo.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has confirmed this will be his last European Championship
The former Man United star is on his sixth European Championship and thanked his lucky stars on Monday night
His penalty was saved in extra time, but he scored in the shootout as Portugal beat Slovenia.
‘But that doesn’t make me emotional, I get emotional about everything that has to do with football.
‘Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I feel when I see my supporters, my family and the affection people have for me.
‘It’s not about me quitting football, because if I do, what else do I have to do or win?
‘It’s not about getting one point more or one point less. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.’
Ronaldo is still looking for a goal at this European Championship, but that’s not for lack of trying.
Oblak stopped him several times in a thrilling match in which Portugal had 20 shots on target but failed to find a pass for the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.
The fact that he burst into tears after his penalty was saved shows how much he cares about the sport.
Diogo Dalot and several other stars rushed to comfort the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
He said that ‘making people happy’ motivates him most, not ‘getting another point’
In today’s episode of the It’s All Kicking Off! Euros Daily podcast, Ian Ladyman and Mike Keegan slam a “narcissistic protagonist” who shouldn’t have been allowed to cry during the match.
From that point on, it took another 15 minutes for any goals to be scored, meaning the match would be decided by penalties, giving Ronaldo the chance to make up for his earlier mistake.
On his second visit to the penalty spot he made no mistake as he fired the ball into the bottom corner, past the stretching Oblak, who was unable to make a save in the shootout.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper in history to save three penalties in a penalty shootout at the European Championship.
Ronaldo posted a brief update on social media after the match, and his message, translated from his native language, read: ‘Inexplicable moments. Let’s do everything we can! Thank you.’
