Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Euro 2024 will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final major tournament with Portugal.
Portugal is gearing up for their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against France this Friday, after overcoming Slovenia in a penalty shootout in their last-16 clash on Monday evening.
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Ronaldo has not yet scored in four Euro 2024 games and was in tears during the match against Slovenia after his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak in the first half of extra time.
However, he redeemed himself by successfully converting Portugal’s first spot kick in the shootout.
The 39-year-old, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has already announced that this will be his last European Championship with Portugal.
Ferguson, who managed Ronaldo for six years at Manchester United, believes that Ronaldo will not be part of Portugal’s World Cup squad when he is 41.
When asked if he thinks Ronaldo will be playing for Portugal at the World Cup in the year 2026, Ferguson told SportBild: ‘I can’t imagine that.
‘Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller.
‘In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.’
Ferguson added Ronaldo is ‘one of the greatest footballers of all time’ and believes his former player is no longer motivated by winning trophies.
‘One or two more titles would not mean much to him,’ Ferguson said. ‘Because he has had a unique career.’
Speaking after Portugal’s victory over Slovenia, Ronaldo, who is playing in his 11th major tournament for his national side, said: ‘It’s certainly my last Euro.
‘But I’m not moved by that, I’m moved by everything that football entails. The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me.
‘It’s not because I’m leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.’
