“I don’t know if I shot well or badly” - Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on feelings about missed penalty vs Slovenia in Euro 2024 Round-of-16 tie
Cristiano Ronaldo shared his feelings after missing a crucial penalty in Portugal's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia in the Round of 16 on Monday (July 1). The Portuguese star fumbled a chance to give his team the lead after Slovenia gave away a penalty in the 105th minute.
Speaking in the post-match press conference to Sport TV, Ronaldo explained that he is not in a position to judge whether his shot was a good or a bad one. He would have to review it himself, but realized that the rollercoaster of emotions is all part of playing football.
"Initial sadness and final joy. That's what football brings. Inexplicable moments, eight and eighty, that's what happened today. I had the opportunity to give the national team an advantage, I didn't manage it, I have to review it, I don't know if I shot well or badly." Cristiano admitted (via Ojogo).
Cristiano Ronaldo also reminded everyone that he had not missed such chances even once during this year. He further claimed that the deserving side won the game as Portugal had more chances to score while Slovenia played defensively for large parts of the game.
"I didn't miss once during the year and, when they needed it most, Oblak saved. Feelings of joy and sadness, the most important thing is to enjoy the passage. Portugal deserved it, because we had more opportunities and Slovenia spent the whole game defending. Congratulations to the whole team, especially the goalkeeper," Ronaldo continued.
While Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to find the net in Euro 2024, he will get another chance as Portugal will take on France in the quarter-finals on July 6 at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirms Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship
Speaking after the match, Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a major hint towards his potential retirement from international football as he admitted that there's "no doubt" that Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship.
"It is without a doubt my last European Championship. But I don't get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves," the Al Nassr star said (via Ojogo).
Ronaldo made an honest admission about what inspires him to play, giving utmost importance to making people happy.
"Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me. It's not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won't be about one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 43 years old when the next edition of the Euros is held in 2028. However, fans might see him represent Portugal for the final time at 41 years of age in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.