New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo led the Portugal team into the UEFA Euro 2024, with the Portuguese icon appearing in all the matches for his country. However, the 39-year-old striker failed to put the ball inside the opposition net, after having the most attempts at goal in the Euro 2024 (23 attempts). Due to his failure in the tournament, fans had speculated that the UEFA Euro 2024 would be the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.
Having said that, Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his willingness and optimism, and it is looking likely that the Portuguese will feature in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The icon posted an Instagram post that may have conveyed his intentions to continue with the Selecao at least till the FIFA World Cup 2026. In that Instagram post, he said: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal,” he wrote in regards to the team’s quarterfinal loss against France, which went to penalties. “We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built. Together.”
Thank goodness I don’t have to watch this ridiculous experiment w/ Portugal 🇵🇹 anymore.
Playing Ronaldo every min, when he doesn’t have it, his teammates know it and bypass him.
What could have been for this team, instead Roberto Martinez conceded.
Sad end to a great one.
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) July 5, 2024
However, this news has sparked a heated debate among the football fans. Some people have liked the decision while the other half of the fans argue that Cristiano Ronaldo is hurting his legacy, honour, and self-respect by performing on the big stage. Cristiano Ronaldo had a poor run and was completely shadowed by the opponents in all five fixtures. He squandered multiple open chances and took horrible free-kicks from the edge of the b0x. In addition to that, Ronaldo missed a penalty against Slovakia in the Round of 16 that made the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner cry during the match. His penalty kicks have inspired generations, and watching him miss at such a crucial stage has hurt the fans, hence the call for retirement from the audience.
However, he must understand that all good things come to an end. Pushing yourself to the limits can only work so much, and after having such a decorated career, a player like Cristiano Ronaldo must face reality and accept that age is not favouring him. It should be Ronaldo’s point to retire before his legacy turns into mockery.
