Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for Portugal during the 2024 Euros, starting all five games, though he failed to score a single goal in the tournament despite having the most shots of any player (23). It seemed possible it would be his final international appearance for his country, given that he’s 39 years old.
But it’s possible he isn’t done with Portugal just yet, as he hinted Monday on a social media post (h/t ESPN’s Adriana Garcia).
“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.”
His potential return may not be met with open arms, however, as his performance at the Euros was widely criticized:
Genuinely don’t think anything like the Ronaldo thing has ever been seen before, a manager obdurately playing a star against all evidence
He’s maybe the most famous footballer in history, so it maybe stands to reason it brings this new level of subservience to celebrity
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) July 5, 2024
Portugal is going to be free to evolve without Ronaldo, and they’ll be better for it. Ironically, I don’t think Argentina has a sense of what their future is without that other guy. But damn am I enjoying the ride.
— Jonah Freedman (@jonahfreedman) July 5, 2024
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
Ronaldo’s career with Portugal has been nothing short of brilliant, but all good things eventually end. Perhaps somebody needs to remind him of that fact.
