Football
Cristiano Ronaldo Not Ready To Retire From International Football
James is an experienced writer covering a wide range of sports. He has previously written for national UK titles and now provides detailed features and breaking news stories.
Get to know James Chittick betterPublished03 Sep 2024
Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not planning his international retirement any time soon.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.
Even at the grand old age of 39, he has once again been named in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming Nations League matches.
Portugal host Croatia on Thursday 5 September, before travelling to Scotland on Sunday.
Scoring 130 times in 212 games, Ronaldo leads his country in both goals and appearances.
While he is not yet hanging up his international boots, the forward says it will be an easy decision when he does choose to retire.
He said: “When the time comes, I’ll move on. It won’t be a difficult decision to make.
“If I feel like I’m no longer contributing anything, I’ll be the first to leave.”
Poor Euro 2024 Showing Sparks Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement Debate
Suggestions that it may be time for Ronaldo to retire gained momentum following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
Portugal crashed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, losing to France on penalties after a goalless draw.
Ronaldo failed to score throughout the tournament and registered just one assist.
Despite many believing he hindered the team more than helped them, he claims he “never considered leaving the national team.”
Alongside the 39-year-old Ronaldo, Portugal team mate Pepe was the oldest player at the Euros, aged 41.
Following their quarter-final exit, former Southampton captain and ex-Portugal defender Jose Fonte told BBC Sport: “They probably know it’s the end of the line in the national team.
“They’ve done so much for Portugal. Sometimes you just have to give your place to the young boys coming up.”
Pepe has indeed retired from international football, but Ronaldo appears determined to carry on for now.
“People’s expectations of the national team were too high,” he added.
“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al-Nassr.
“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one.”