Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms His Last European Championship Appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese forward, has announced that this year’s European Championship will mark the final appearance of his illustrious career in the tournament. At 39 years old, Ronaldo is participating in the Euros for a record sixth time, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. His contributions have been pivotal in propelling Portugal to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face France, led by Kylian Mbappé, in Hamburg on Friday.

In an interview with Portuguese public broadcaster RTP following Portugal’s dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia, Ronaldo confirmed, “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.” Despite the significance of this milestone, Ronaldo emphasized that he is not overwhelmed by emotion. Instead, he is driven by his passion for football and the joy it brings to his supporters, family, and fans worldwide.

Ronaldo’s legacy in the European Championships is unparalleled. He holds the record for the most goals scored in the tournament’s history, with 14 goals to his name. Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo stated that his primary motivation now is “making people happy.” His commitment to the sport and his fans remains unwavering, even as he prepares to bid farewell to the European stage.

During the match against Slovenia, Ronaldo experienced a moment of vulnerability when he missed a penalty in extra time, leading to an emotional reaction. However, he remains resolute about his future, stating, “It’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”

Historical Context

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has been marked by numerous records and achievements. He has been a central figure in international football for nearly two decades, debuting for Portugal in 2003. His participation in six European Championships is a record, highlighting his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level. Ronaldo has been instrumental in Portugal’s successes, including their victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

Summary

• Cristiano Ronaldo confirms that Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship.
• At 39, Ronaldo is participating in the Euros for a record sixth time.
• Portugal has reached the quarterfinals and will face France in Hamburg.
• Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals in European Championship history with 14 goals.
• His primary motivation is now to make people happy through his passion for football.
• Ronaldo experienced an emotional moment after missing a penalty against Slovenia.
• He remains committed to football and his fans, despite preparing to leave the European stage.
• Ronaldo’s career includes significant achievements, such as winning the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.