Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed any immediate plans for retirement from international football, stating that he still has much to offer Portugal. He expressed this during a Monday press conference.
"When the time is right, I will step aside. It won't be a hard decision," the 39-year-old said, referring to the upcoming Nations League match against Croatia in Lisbon. He also mentioned that if he feels he is no longer contributing, he will be the first to exit, referencing his former teammate Pepe's graceful retirement at 41.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, did not score in his record sixth appearance at the European Championship, where Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals. Despite media criticism, he affirmed that he never thought of leaving the national team and continues to have the support of coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo acknowledged that public expectations for the national team were excessive and that challenging periods in a footballer's career "allow you to evolve." Following the Croatia match, Portugal will stay in Lisbon to play against Scotland on Sunday.
