Cristiano Ronaldo reveals when he plans to retire from international football as 39-year-old Portugal star hints it ‘won’t be a difficult decision’ when the time comes
- Cristiano Ronaldo is in the Portugal squad for the matches against Croatia and Scotland
- The 39-year-old says it won’t be difficult to retire from international football
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Cristiano Ronaldo has announced when he plans to retire from international football.
The 39-year-old footballer’s future is shrouded in uncertainty following his tough season at Euro 2024 with Portugal and the fact that he turns 40 in February.
Ronaldo has had a remarkable career for Portugal since making his debut in 2003 and currently holds the world record for international goals with 130.
He has been called up again to Roberto Martinez’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland.
And the Real Madrid legend says he will retire from international football if he feels he can no longer contribute.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed when he plans to retire from international football
Ronaldo’s future is shrouded in uncertainty after his tough campaign at Euro 2024
“When the time comes, I’ll move on,” Ronaldo said. “It won’t be a difficult decision.
“If I feel like I’m not contributing anymore, I’ll be the first to leave.”
Ronaldo previously indicated that next summer’s tournament would be his last European Championship, although he could still represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.
Despite his advanced age, Ronaldo, who made his international debut in August 2003, was a regular starter for Portugal. He failed to score a single goal in five matches at Euro 2024.
The team’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, previously stated that no decision has been made about the striker’s international future after the knockout stage of the tournament.
When asked last month when it would be time to end his international career, Ronaldo said: ‘If I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone.
‘It will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well-considered decision.
Ronaldo made his Portuguese debut in 2003 and is the highest international goalscorer of all time
‘At the moment I am not thinking about becoming a coach of the first team or any other team.
‘It doesn’t even occur to me, I’ve never thought about it. I don’t see my future continuing like this.
If Ronaldo continues to play, fans may get the chance to see the 41-year-old striker at the 2026 World Cup.
