Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on Portugal Euro 2024 exit amid retirement rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are out of Euro 2024 after their quarter-final defeat to France on penalties, with plenty of suggestions he may now retire from internationals

Cristiano Ronaldo has had the most shots of any player at Euro 2024, 23, but failed to score (
Image: UEFA via Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo thanked Portugal fans for their support during the country’s Euro 2024 campaign, which came to an end with a penalty shootout defeat to France on Friday.

After a goalless 120 minutes – Portugal’s second of the knockout stages – France full-back Theo Hernandez converted the winning spot kick after Portuguese substitute Joao Felix had hit the post.

Ronaldo played the full 120 minutes of the match and converted his penalty, but the 39-year-old’s displayed again attracted criticism. Euro 2024 is the first of 11 major tournaments Ronaldo has played in which he didn’t score a goal, despite having 23 shots – the most of any players at the tournament.

The result has prompted speculation that Ronaldo will announce his international retirement after 212 appearances for Portugal. He had already confirmed that this will be his last Euros after the last-16 win over Slovenia on penalties.

Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each and every one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for all that you have given us and all that we have accomplished so far.

“On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”

Ronaldo failed to score at Euro 2024 ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)
Ronaldo was seen comforting his long-time Portugal team-mate Pepe after the defeat to France in Hamburg, with the 41-year-old defender expected to also call time on his international career in the near future.

Asked about the futures of both Ronaldo and Pepe after the match, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said: “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”

Pepe was also asked about his plans, and said: “This is not the time to talk about a certain farewell to the national team. It is a moment of loss. I will have the opportunity to talk about it.”

The forward was seen consoling Pepe after the match ( 
Image:
PA)
Elaborating on Portugal’s exit, he added: “It’s hard to find words for the performance we played.. The level of work deserved a different result. Unfortunately, that’s football. Four or five days ago we were all happy because we beat Slovenia, but today we’re sad.

“I congratulate my team-mates, who fought hard, who did what our coach asked and did well. We had our chances to score, we played the game intelligently.”