Portugal's talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially announced that Euro 2024 will be his final appearance at the European Championships. In a candid interview with Portuguese public broadcaster RTP, Ronaldo declared, “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”
A Challenging Tournament
At 39 years old, Ronaldo has faced significant challenges during this tournament. Despite his legendary status and record 14 goals in the European Championships, he has yet to score in the four matches played thus far. His struggles were epitomized in the Round of 16 match against Slovenia, where he missed a crucial penalty in extra time, thanks to a stellar save by Jan Oblak.
Following this missed opportunity, Ronaldo was visibly emotional, shedding tears as his team huddled before the second half of extra time.
Reflecting on this moment, he said, “Even the strongest people have their bad days. I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”
Perseverance and Resilience
Despite his setbacks, Ronaldo's focus remains on the team’s success.
“I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I was needed the most, Oblak saved it. At that moment I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. Sometimes football is fair and sometimes just, but we deserved to qualify.”
Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to his team and his sport is clear. “I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility. I have never been afraid to face things head-on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”
Looking Ahead
As Ronaldo approaches the end of his European Championship journey, his primary motivation remains “making people happy.” He emphasized, “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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in football is already cemented, but his dedication and passion continue to inspire fans and players alike. As he prepares for his final European Championship, the world watches in admiration of his remarkable career.
Inputs by Agencies
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