Ronaldo hinted at the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup and said that EURO 2024 is not a failure.
Ronaldo does not want to retire yet
Recently, veteran striker Luis Suarez announced his retirement from the Uruguayan national team at the age of 37. Although he still has many regrets, the player currently playing for Inter Miami understands that this is the time to give up his position to younger, more energetic players.
Ronaldo hints at possibility of attending 2026 World Cup
In the latest interview, Cristiano Ronaldo also confirmed that he would step back if he felt he was no longer suitable for the Portuguese national team . However, the 39-year-old superstar did not mention when that would happen when asked about the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup. At that time, Ronaldo would be 41 years old. Currently, CR7 is with the Portuguese national team preparing for 2 matches against Scotland (September 9) and Poland (September 13) in the UEFA Nations League.
“I always think that I have to be in the starting line-up. However, I always respect the decisions of the coaches. That is what a professional player needs. That is the ethics of the profession. If we don’t have that, there will be constant arguments.
Right now, I feel I still have enough strength to contribute to the national team. I will continue to do that until I can’t anymore. I feel very optimistic and happy at the moment. When I feel I’m no longer suitable, I will stop.”
Ronaldo talks about EURO 2024
After his performance at EURO 2024, some fans criticized Ronaldo for “trying to force the issue”. The Portuguese superstar did not score any goals and only had 1 assist. Talking about this issue, CR7 said that it was not a bad performance of the Portuguese national team.
“For me personally, it’s not a bad thing. Teams always need time to improve and sometimes we have to accept bad results. I see a lot of positive signs. No one likes to lose, but for me that tournament was not a failure.
We won in some aspects. When things are too easy, it is difficult to develop. So we learned a lot from that defeat, both in football and in life. You have to learn to face difficulties with optimism and a light heart. That is life.”
