Cristiano Ronaldo: Retirement? Not on My Watch
At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo is a living legend. He holds the record for most international appearances and goals in men’s football, a staggering 130 goals in 212 matches. Yet, after a challenging Euro 2024 where he didn’t find the back of the net, whispers about retirement began to surface.
Ronaldo, however, remains defiant. He recently addressed these rumors, stating that while the decision to retire will be difficult, he’s not ready to hang up his international jersey just yet.
“When the time comes, I’ll move on,” Ronaldo shared, acknowledging the weight of the decision. “It will be a tough call, but if I ever feel unable to contribute, I’ll be the first to step aside.”
This unwavering commitment to his craft is a hallmark of Ronaldo’s career. He’s not content to simply be on the pitch; he wants to make a difference. “Until the very end of my career, I’ll always have the mindset of a starter,” he affirmed.
Despite facing criticism for Portugal’s performance in Euro 2024, Ronaldo believes the expectations placed upon the team were incredibly high. He remains focused on the future, specifically the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland.
These matches represent more than just international fixtures for Ronaldo; they’re a chance to add to his already impressive legacy. With 899 career goals, he’s on the cusp of reaching the historic 900-goal milestone.
“My motivation is to join the national team, win the Nations League title, and continue contributing,” Ronaldo explained. “We’ve won it before, and we want to do it again.”
This laser focus on the present is a testament to Ronaldo’s approach to the beautiful game. ”Maybe I say the same thing repeatedly, but I don’t think long-term, always short-term,” he concluded.
For now, Cristiano Ronaldo’s focus remains on the pitch, where he continues to defy expectations and inspire a generation. Retirement may be on the horizon, but it’s clear that Ronaldo will decide when he’s played his final match for Portugal, not the critics.
