Cristiano Ronaldo addresses emotional reaction as Portugal star outlines new retirement plan | OneFootball

Selecao will face France in final eight

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship, but insisted that was not the reason behind his tears.

Portugal booked a spot in the quarter-finals and a showdown with France, however they needed penalties to get past Slovenia.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was their hero, saving all three of Slovenia’s penalties when the game had finished goalless after extra-time.

Ronaldo scored his penalty in the shootout - as did Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva - and in doing so he made amends for missing a spot-kick during the first half of extra-time.

Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a brilliant save to deny the 39-year-old, who was in tears and had to be consoled by team-mates.

“It is without a doubt my last European Championship,” Ronaldo told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

“But I don’t get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves. 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 getting one more point or one less point.

Ronaldo had to be consoled by teammates after missing a penalty in extra-time

AFP via Getty Images

“I get emotional because these are unique moments, which I can’t express in words. Even the strongest people have their [bad] days.”

Ronaldo insists he has “already forgotten” about his penalty miss and the Portugal captain showed that last night by taking the first spot-kick in the shootout.

“I missed the penalty but I wanted to be the first to score, because you have to take responsibility,” he said. “I’ve never been afraid to face the usual things.”

Portugal’s victory means they will face France in the quarter-finals on Friday, with the winner of that due to meet Germany or Spain in the semi-finals.

“We have a tough game now against France, who are one of the favourites to win,” Ronaldo added. “But we’re going to war, the team is doing well and I’ll always give my best in this shirt.

“Those who fail are those who try too. The fans are always with us and especially with me, I’m very happy about that.