Diogo Jota responds when asked if Cristiano Ronaldo will play another major tournament for Portugal after Euro 2024 disappointment
Portugal and Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota has claimed that he is unsure about the UEFA Euro 2024 being Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo's last major international tournament.
During the Euro 2024, Ronaldo came under a lot of scrutiny for his sub-par outings for Portugal. The 39-year-old failed to net a single goal and even missed a penalty in 486 minutes of action at the tournament.
During a recent chat with The Liverpool Echo, Jota was asked to opine on his lack of first-team minutes while recently representing Portugal in Germany. He replied (h/t GOAL):
"I don't have much to say about it. I think we could have gone all the way but we lost in the quarter-finals. I'm always ready to help my country. It wasn't required so you get that frustration from feeling that you could have helped."
Asked to shed light on the Al-Nassr star's plans, Jota responded:
"I am not sure about [the Euros being his last international tournament]. I am not sure what he told about his last tournament. But he has been an inspiration for me since his early days, since I can remember. He is an icon and won the Ballon d'Or multiple times. He was a reference for me. I was glad to share a dressing room with him and learn everything I could. I will thank him for that."
After Portugal's Euro 2024 last-eight exit to France, Ronaldo confirmed that he will not take part in the Euro 2028. However, the Al-Nassr striker can still represent his national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Ex-Chelsea star slams Cristiano Ronaldo's decision at recently concluded Euro 2024
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo for playing in Portugal's 2-0 Euro 2024 Group F loss to Georgia. He said:
"A lot of people criticized Ronaldo about taking [all of the] free-kicks, about trying to do everything [on his own], trying to play every game. But I've said it a few times, the only place I criticize him in that tournament is [his decision] to play the group-stage game against Georgia. He did not need to play that game. You're 39 years old, take a break. Have a rest and refresh for the next game."
The Al-Nassr forward completed eight of 12 passes and registered just one shot in Portugal's dead rubber group-stage clash against Georgia.
Overall, the Portuguese recorded one assist in five Euro 2024 games.