Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects on Emotional Euro 2024 Penalty Miss and Hints at Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s all-time greats, recently shared his emotional response to missing a penalty for Portugal at Euro 2024. Alongside this, he dropped significant hints about his future in the sport, suggesting that this European Championship could be his last.

A Missed Opportunity

In the last-16 clash against Slovenia, Ronaldo was determined to make a decisive impact after failing to score during the group stage. Throughout the match, he took several free-kicks and narrowly missed connecting with multiple crosses. His pivotal moment came in extra-time when he stepped up for a penalty. However, Slovenia’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved his shot, leaving Ronaldo visibly tearful.

Ronaldo’s Reaction

After successfully converting his penalty in a shootout that Portugal won 3-0, thanks to three saves from Diogo Costa, Ronaldo spoke to Teledeporte about the emotional rollercoaster he experienced. He described the initial sadness of missing the penalty and the subsequent joy of the team’s victory. “Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football gives you. These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I had to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but during the year I didn’t miss a single time and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it. The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, the team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end and if you analyse the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances.”

A Glimpse Into the Future

Ronaldo, participating in his 11th major international tournament, acknowledged that Euro 2024 will likely be his final appearance in the competition. “It’s certainly my last Euro. But I’m not moved by that, I’m moved by everything that football entails. The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me. It’s not because I’m leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.”

Continuing Club Success

Despite the emotional toll of international competition, Ronaldo’s performance at the club level remains stellar. He netted 50 goals for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League during the 2023-24 season, showing no signs of slowing down. Speculation also suggests he might continue playing through to the 2026 World Cup, indicating that retirement is not imminent.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo’s reflections on his missed penalty and his hints at retirement highlight the emotional highs and lows that come with a storied career in football. While Euro 2024 might mark the end of his journey in the European Championship, his passion for the game and his drive to make fans happy suggest he still has much to contribute to the sport.