Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that Euro 2024 will be his last.
Ronaldo disclosed this after Portugal eliminated Slovenia on penalties in their last-16 clash on Monday night.
The 39-year-old had the chance to open the scoring in extra time, but saw his penalty saved by Jan Oblak.
However, Ronaldo converted during the shoot-out, as Diogo Costa made three successive saves to send Portugal through.
“This will be my last Euro, of course,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“But I’m not moved by this. I’m moved by enthusiasm.
“I was sorry for the fans. I’ll always give my best for this shirt, whether I miss it or not. And I’ll do this my whole life. You have to take responsibility.”
Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after missing a penalty during extra-time of Portugal’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Slovenia on Monday.
Ronaldo had a chance to put Portugal ahead late in the first period of extra-time in a tense, goalless tie in Frankfurt.
The 39-year-old stepped up to take the spot-kick after a foul on Diogo Jota, but his effort was superbly saved by Jan Oblak.
After scoring his previous 29 penalties, Ronaldo was visibly stunned to see Oblak keep out his shot and held his head in disbelief.
Seconds later the whistle went for half-time in extra-time and that was the signal for Ronaldo to start openly weeping as he stood in a huddle of Portugal players.
Consoled by team-mate Joao Palhinha, Ronaldo was able to wipe away his tears and continue playing when the match resumed.
Portugal fans sang “Viva Ronaldo” after his emotional outburst was shown on the big screen in the Frankfurt Arena.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo has now failed to score three of the nine penalties he has taken at major international tournaments.
