Cristiano Ronaldo makes decision on Portugal future: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly not planning to quit the Portugal national team. He believes he can be a valuable part of the 2024 EURO squad and is keen to fight for his place.
The former Manchester United forward managed just one goal in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He was benched in both of Portugal's knockout matches, against Switzerland and Morocco.
🚨🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT going to retire from the Portugal national side now.
He believes he can be useful to his country at least until EURO 2024.
(Source: Correio da Manhã) https://t.co/RrZ06EUKb9
Ronaldo was brought on as a second-half substitute in both games but failed to impact the scoreline. He barely touched the ball in these two games, managing only seven touches against Switzerland and just 10 against Morocco.
But as per a report in Correio da Manhã, Cristiano Ronaldo does not think his time with the national team is over, and the forward is set to fight for his place. Ronaldo wants to play at the 2024 EURO in Germany; the 37-year-old reportedly believes he can be a valuable member of the team.
"I fought hard for this dream" - Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's exit from FIFA World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo had penned an emotional statement on his social media account after Portugal were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup by Morocco.
Portugal topped Group H with two wins - against Ghana and Uruguay - out of three games, to progress to the knockout stage. But the 2016 EURO winners were beaten 1-0 in the quarter-finals by the African nation after having eased past Switzerland with a 6-1 win.
Ronaldo's statement on Instagram read:
"Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream."
The forward asserted that he fought hard for his dream but failed to achieve it for the 5th time. Cristiano Ronaldo continued:
"I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances that I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave my all. I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream. Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. It is not worth reacting to heat."
He added that his dedication had not changed amid rumors that he threatened to quit the camp as he was benched.
"I just want everyone to know that much has been said, much has been written, much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed for an instant. I was always one more person fighting for everyone's goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country.
"For now, there's not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted... Now, it's time to be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions."
Cristiano Ronaldo is now set to decide on his next club, as he was released by Manchester United days before the FIFA World Cup. His relationship with manager Erik ten Hag and the owners touched a new low after his explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, which ultimately led to the termination of the contract.