The ongoing EURO 2024 is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last European Championship, the Portugal captain confirmed after his team reached the quarter-finals on Monday night. The 2016 Euro winners defeated Slovenia on penalties, thanks to goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s heroics.
Ronaldo, who had been left teary-eyed mid-game after missing a penalty, was consoled by his teammates. The Al Nassr forward later spoke about the emotional occasion in a post-match conversation with Portuguese public broadcaster RTP.
“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, and my family, and the affection people have for me,” Ronaldo said to the reporters, as quoted by The Hindu.
The Portuguese superstar had a great opportunity to put his team in front in the extra time of the EURO Round of 16 fixture. Portugal was awarded a penalty in the 104th minute after a Slovenian defender tackled Diogo Jota and brought him down inside the box. Ronaldo took the spot kick but his shot was denied by Jan Oblak, who showcased a brilliant effort to keep the game alive.
Speaking about the miss, Ronaldo told RTP, “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. I didn’t make a single mistake this year and when I was needed the most, Oblak saved it. At this moment I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won.”
Ronaldo made his EURO debut in 2004 when Portugal reached the final and lost to Greece. Under his captaincy, Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 by defeating France 1-0 in the final. The former Real Madrid man has netted a total of 14 goals in his 29 EURO appearances. Ronaldo has yet to find the net in this year’s campaign.
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