The 39-year-old Ronaldo, who has more caps and goals than any other player in men’s international football history with 130 strikes in 212 games, is part of Portugal’s squad for their Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland. However, Ronaldo is coming off a very disappointing Euro 2024 campaign where he failed to score and many felt he held the team back.
The legend of Manchester United and Real Madrid now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. “When the time comes, I’ll move on,” he said. “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.”
Despite the criticism that followed Euro 2024, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner insists he “never considered leaving the national team.”.
The two oldest players in Euro 2024 were Ronaldo and his 41-year-old teammate Pepe.
Former Portugal international Jose Fonte told BBC Sport following their elimination from the Euros that “they probably know it’s the end of the line in the national team.”
“They have greatly benefited Portugal. There are moments when you simply have to make room for the younger boys.”
Ronaldo declared that Pepe “left through the front door” after he announced his retirement. However, the forward has chosen to continue.
In addition, Ronaldo said, “People’s expectations of the national team were too high,” following their quarterfinal loss to France.
He stated last month: “I’m not sure 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.”
