“We deserved more” - Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after heartbreaking Euro 2024 exit
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reflected on his team's Euro 2024 exit after losing 5-3 on penalties to France in the quarter-final on Friday (July 5) in Hamburg. Having survived a Round-of-16 shootout against Slovenia in the previous round, A Selecao weren't as lucky against Les Bleus.
Ronaldo and Co. drew a blank in a third straight game at the tournament as extra time and eventually penalties beckoned. While the 39-year-old converted his effort, Joao Felix's miss proved key, as Les Bleus booked their place in the last-four.
With Ronaldo having announced that he was playing in his last European Championships, his continental sojourn ended on a sour note. Reflecting on the defeat, the five-time Ballon d'Or penned a message for fans, noting that the team deserved 'more', posting on Instagram (as translated from Portuguese):
"We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal. We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far.
"On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.
Roberto Martinez's side have failed to score in three knockout games at the European Championships since their maiden triumph eight years ago against hosts France.
How did Cristiano Ronaldo fare for Portugal at Euro 2024?
Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo didn't have the best of campaigns at Euro 2024 despite starting all five games. After enduring a first scoreless group-stage at a major tournament in 11 attempts, the 39-year-old's luck didn't change in the knockouts.
Ronaldo endured back-to-back scoreless outings in the Euro 2024 knockouts, having missed an extra-time penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16 win on penalties (3-0) after a goalless 120 minutes.
He did register an assist in the 3-0 group-stage win over Turkey, going level with the Czech Republic's Karol Poborsky (eight) for most assists at the Euros. Ronaldo also became the first player to appear in six editions of the competitions and score in four shootouts, also becoming the oldest scorer in a shootout.
However, his quest to become the oldest Euro finals scorer and the first to net in six different editions remained unfulfilled as A Selecao bowed out in the quarter-finals after a 'perfect' qualifying campaign.