Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Euro 2024 as His Final European Championship

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the upcoming European Championship in Germany will be his last. This tournament will mark a historic sixth appearance in the European Championships for the Portuguese superstar, a feat that underscores his enduring influence and remarkable career longevity.

Final Euro Appearance for Ronaldo

Ronaldo, who will be 43 when the next tournament takes place in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, stated unequivocally that Euro 2024 will be his last. "Without a doubt, it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is," he told Portugal's RTP. Despite the milestone, Ronaldo emphasized that he is not emotional about the conclusion of this chapter in his career. Instead, he remains driven by the passion he has for football, the excitement of the fans, and the joy of having his family present. "It's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?" he pondered.

A Legacy of Excellence

Having made his debut with Portugal in 2003, Ronaldo has enjoyed an illustrious international career, including a victorious campaign in 2016. He is the men's all-time leading scorer with 130 goals. Reflecting on his journey, Ronaldo said, "The most important thing about the journey I've been on is the enthusiasm I still have for being here. It's 20 years representing and playing with the national team, bringing joy to people, to the family, my children, that is what motivates me most." His dedication to the sport and his country remains unwavering, even as he approaches the twilight of his career.

A Testing Round of 16

Ronaldo's resilience was put to the test during Portugal's round-of-16 match against Slovenia. His 114th-minute penalty shot was saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Despite this setback, Portugal triumphed in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa saving all three of Slovenia's attempts. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ronaldo was seen in tears as the game went to penalties and had to be consoled by his teammates. "It's football; those who fail are those who try, too," Ronaldo remarked. "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."

Striving for More

Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most goals in the history of the competition with 14, has yet to score in Germany. "Obviously it's frustrating when we can't score, but it's football," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. "In the end, the result was positive, and that was the most important thing." Ronaldo reflected on his recent experiences with penalty shootouts, having lost twice earlier in the year. "I lose twice this year on penalties [to Al Ain in a penalty shootout in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals and to Al Hilal in the King Cup of Champions final], and now I won. I think football sometimes has to be fair, and it was fair because I think Portugal deserved to win."

Looking Ahead: France in the Quarterfinals

Looking ahead, Portugal will face France in the quarterfinals. "We will now have a difficult game against France, who are the favorites to win the competition along with Germany and Spain," Ronaldo acknowledged. "But we are going to war -- this is football. The team is doing well, this [win against Slovenia] was a boost of energy that the team had, and we will fight until the end." Ronaldo’s commitment to his team and his sport is evident as he prepares for the challenge ahead.

The Final Chapter

As Ronaldo prepares for what will undoubtedly be an emotional farewell to the European Championship stage, his legacy is already firmly cemented. His impact on the game, both for his country and for football fans around the world, will be remembered long after he hangs up his boots. Ronaldo’s journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled success, making him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. As he steps onto the field in Germany for his final Euro, fans will undoubtedly celebrate not just the end of an era, but the enduring spirit of a true football legend.