As the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 kicks off, the spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39, many wondered if the iconic forward would step aside after a disappointing Euro 2024, where he failed to find the net in five matches. Portugal’s quarter-final exit in that tournament led to speculation about his potential retirement from international football.
However, Ronaldo remains a key figure in Roberto Martinez’s squad as Portugal prepares to open their Nations League campaign against Croatia and Scotland. Despite enduring a tough time at Euro 2024, Ronaldo has not shown any signs of stepping away.
What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about his retirement?
Speaking ahead of the UEFA Nations League 2024-25, Ronaldo said, “When the time comes, I’ll move on,” but also made it clear that his time is not yet up. The Al-Nassr star added, “It never crossed my mind that my cycle with Portugal had come to an end. Quite the opposite: it gave me even more motivation to continue, to be honest.”
Portugal’s upcoming matches in League A Group One offer the perfect opportunity for Ronaldo to prove he still has plenty left to give. Injuries to key players like Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos may see him take on a more prominent role, with expectations high for the veteran striker to lead from the front.
With his remarkable tally of 130 goals in 212 appearances for the national team, Ronaldo continues to break records while playing with the same passion he displayed in his younger days. As Ronaldo himself emphasized, his focus is on the short term and winning titles for his country. “The motivation is to come to the national team to win the Nations League,” he stated as quoted by the Mirror.
This ambition mirrors the hunger that saw Portugal triumph in the competition’s inaugural edition back in 2019. Now, Ronaldo and his teammates are eager to reclaim that title, beginning with their challenging opening encounters against Croatia and Scotland.
So, while the retirement rumours keep swirling, Ronaldo is still very much in the game. He’s focused on the here and now, ready to give his all for Portugal as they chase another Nations League title.
