“He can carry on playing, but just not international football” - Roy Keane weighs in on Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal after Euro 2024 exit
Roy Keane has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to step back from the Portugal national side after EURO 2024 exit. He believes that the forward needs to retire from the international stage, but continue playing club football.
Speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, Keane stated that Ronaldo needs to make the decision quickly and step away from the national side. He believes that the forward could be holding back players and said:
"He should have a break and step back from international football, and if he's still playing at club level, then have a look at the World Cup when it comes around. We look at [Harry] Kane when Kane's quite off it, and your main goal scorers not at it, you're playing with ten men. When you're playing at the highest level, you really can't carry anybody. His movement is still there – against France, brilliant."
He added:
"He can carry on playing, but just not international football. How many footballers do we know that have stopped playing international football at a younger age and obviously carried on having a club career. Part of your decision making [when you're coming to the end of your career] is to step back to let other players learn. You could be holding people back and that's not good for the bigger picture [of the team]."
Cristiano Ronaldo played all matches for Portugal at EURO 2024 but failed to score in normal time. He missed a penalty vs Slovenia in extra time, but converted his effort in the shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo yet to decide on his Portugal future
Roberto Martinez was quizzed if Cristiano Ronaldo's time with the national team was done after Portugal's exit from EURO 2024. The manager stated that the decision was yet to be taken and said via ESPN:
"It's too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made."
While Ronaldo has not decided on his future, he did admit that it was his final EURO. He told Portugal TV's RTP:
"Without a doubt it's the last Euro [for me], of course it is."
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly eyeing the 2026 World Cup and is likely to continue to play for the national side.