Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal has lifted the lid on how he plans to call time on his international football career.
Ronaldo, who is in the twilight of his career, appears to be holding information about when he will retire from international football close to his chest.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently represented Portugal at Euro 2024, as Roberto Martinez’s side were bundled out of the tournament in the last 8 after losing to France via penalties.
Ronaldo is still keen on accentuating his brilliance with the European nation and he made it known in an interview with Portuguese media outlet NOW.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comments On How He Plans To Retire From International Football
Speaking during an interview with NOW, the 39-year-old expressed that he won’t inform anyone when he decides to leave the men’s national team of Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: “When I leave the national team, I won’t give anyone a heads-up. It’ll be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also one I’ll have thought through carefully.”
Ronaldo added that he is currently focused on assisting Portugal in their upcoming matches, and he would really “love to play.”
The Portuguese shared: “But right now, what I want is to be able to help the national team in its upcoming commitments. We’ve got the Nations League ahead, and I’d really love to play.”
Cristiano Ronaldo assisted Portugal to win the UEFA European Championship in 2016 alongside the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo At Euro 2024
As aforementioned, the former Manchester United man was amongst the Navigators contingent at the 2024 European Championship.
Ronaldo had a disappointing outing with Roberto Martinez’s side at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, as they were dumped out in the last 8 by France via penalties, after playing a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo made 5 appearances at the tournament, scoring no goal and providing 1 assist.
During a presser at Euro 2024, he expressed that it would be his last outing at the tournament and certainly, it appears he has closed that chapter.
However, it is left to be seen when the Real Madrid great will retire from international football.
Ronaldo also touched on his future after retiring from the round leather game and ruled out the idea of venturing into coaching.
Cristiano Ronaldo stated: “At the moment, I’m not thinking about becoming a coach, not for a first-team or any team. It hasn’t even crossed my mind, I’ve never thought about it.
“I don’t see my future going in that direction. I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds.”
Recall the attacker recently launched his YouTube channel, and it took the internet by storm. This could be among the things he is putting in place ahead of retirement.
Interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo owns several other things that could fetch him big money, including hotels, clothing, and footwear lines, amongst others.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s attention is currently fixated on the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign.
Ronaldo will be hoping to have a course to smile with Al Nassr in the new season, as they strive to achieve success.
They started the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 22, 2024, with a 1-1 draw against Al-Raed.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted the lone goal of the encounter for Al Nassr in the 34th minute before Mohammed Fouzair equalized for their opposition 4 minutes into the second half.
Ronaldo thought he had won it late on for Al Nassr, but his goal was disallowed for offside by VAR after it was reviewed.
Luis Castro’s side return to action on August 27, 2024, with an away game against Al-Fayha.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at the Knights of Najd culminates in the summer of 2025 and it is uncertain if he would renew his deal with the Saudi Arabian side.
Although, during the interview with NOW, Ronaldo hinted that Al Nassr will “probably” be his last club before he retires.
He said: “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr.”
Cristiano Ronaldo Career Stats
Ronaldo has made 1015 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 761 goals and providing 239 assists across all competitions.
Internationally, Cristiano Ronaldo has made 211 appearances for Portugal, scoring 130 goals and providing 47 assists.
