Santos, who has spent the last eight years in charge of Portugal, confirmed over the weekend that he will fly back to Lisbon to hold talks about his future. It has been a long road but I would like to say that my journey is not over yet. Morocco became the first African team to book their slot in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup. The contract would be expected to run for two and a half years, keeping Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia until the middle of 2025. Bayern Munich perform U-turn on Mateo Kovacic stance? Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has explained why he did not retire from international football after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. . Wales head coach, Ryan Giggs, has revealed the age Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, will retire from football. However, the bottom line is that no matter how hard you try, you can't cheat nature. Whatever happened prior to the game, Ronaldo was below par and his performance was eclipsed by Zinedine Zidane, the only other footballer to have won the World Player of the Year title on three occasions. Portugal faced Cristiano Ronaldo is not the only football superstar to have never lifted the World Cup in his playing career. 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While MLS always seems to be an attractive option for players prior to retirement, the Middle East is looming as a more likely destination for Ronaldo. He was presented with a special award. With the failure to win the World Cup in Qatar now confirmed, it's difficult to see Cristiano Ronaldo closing out what is left of his fantastic career with a major trophy, for both club and country. Before making a historic appearance in the 2021 final of the Copa America on Sunday, Lionel Messi had famously opted to take a premature retirement when Argentina last made it to the summit clash of the South American Football Championship. "For now. The 2016 European champions bowed out at the quarter-final stage at last year's World Cup after losing to By The Athletic Staff. Given his limited game time at United before his departure and his relatively muted impact at the club compared to the rest of his career, it seems that top European sides won't take a chance on Ronaldo, especially in an age where attackers are expected to press in a manner that Ronaldo does not. "And I was able to realise that I have a lot to give to the national team. In his first comments after the elimination, Ronaldo said that it was "time to take stock" without saying explicitly if he wants to carry on being available for Portugal after 19 years in the national team. 2011-2023 Sports Mole Ltd. All rights reserved. Our goal is simple - to become the #1 multi-language transfers source in the football world, serving the football fan their direct desire for everything around the most popular subject in football: Football Transfers. Read:Ronaldo breaks international record in big Portugal win. In a brief statement, United said Open Privacy Options "I want to finish at 40. In the nine months since Ronaldo last represented them, Portugal have been unbeaten in nine matches, impressively making it to the semi-final of the maiden edition of the UEFA Nations League after they topped a group also containing Poland and Italy. Media requires JavaScript to play. MORE: Morocco vs Portugal as it happened How Ronaldo exited the 2022 World Cup. At the 2002 World Cup Ronaldo was at his imperious best, scoring in every game in Japan and South Korea, bar the 2-1 quarter-final victory over England. To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-1diosym{color:black;}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-1diosym{color:#fff;}}Published13:14,25 April 2023 BST.css-7su1ft{color:#666666;}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){.css-7su1ft{color:#72B97D;}}@media (min-width:1024px){.css-7su1ft{color:#666666;}}| Last updated13:16,25 April 2023 BST. Cristiano RonaldosPortugalsuffered a shock defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals of theFIFA World Cup 2022. The Juventus superstar had not represented Portugal since their exit at the round-of-16 stage at the last World Cup, and as such, fans were eager to see him don the colors of the Selecao once more. Paolo Maldini, for two decades one of Italy and the world's best defenders, famously retired just before the 2006 World Cup that the Azzurri eventually won, with that being the only major trophy he failed to win in his long and glorious career. With his World Cup now done and dusted, Ronaldo's attention can turn to finding his next club. This is 60 times when they put their bodies under the intense strain and rigors associated with professional football for 90 minutes. However, it might be possible that we have seen the very last of Cristiano Ronaldo last night. Ronaldo also told Morgan that if Portugal had won the tournament he would have retired from international duty on the spot. At this stage, no. The players were given more freedom to express themselves, dominate the match and fashion numerous chances from different patterns of play. But despite topping a group featuring South American heavyweights Uruguay, and a fantastic 6-1 win over Switzerland in the Round of 16, they were shocked by the Atlas Lions in the quarterfinal. In this piece, we shall be taking a look at four reasons why Ronaldo should call it quits with the Portugal national team. The video, which has amassed 4.5 million views, has thousands of fans flocking to the comments to have their say on whether Ronaldo should hang up his boots for good. Yesterday saw his side knocked out of the Saudi King Cup semi-finals by Meccas Al Wehda. After turning down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia over the summer, Ronaldo is once again being linked with a big offer from Al Nassr. Portugal World Cup elimination Some had questioned whether Ronaldo would retire from international football or even football altogether after the World Cup is over. So, two or three years maximum," Ronaldo said. Santos, who joined as a coach in 2014, has won the Euros and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. The 37-year-old was then benched for the Round of 16 fixture vs Switzerland, with Fernando Santos preferring Goncalo Ramos as the side's solitary striker and the Benfica man went on to score a hat-trick in his World Cup debut as Portugal sealed a 6-1 win. Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox. MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved, suffered one of the most heartbreaking moments in his career last night. The one trophy that has eluded him throughout his storied career has been the World Cup, and the 37-year-old was hoping that, with a strong team around him, he would be able to have the ultimate swansong in what is highly likely to be his final major international tournament. He also scored a hat-trick against Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Santos, who joined as a coach in 2014, has won the Euros and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. As you know, he talked to everyone and to me, too. Key Highlights Lionel Messi had retired from international football after Argentina's defeat in the 2016 Copa America final Lionel Messi-led Argentina squared off against Neymar's Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final on Sunday Lionel Messi is Argentina's most capped player with 151 appearances Please logout and login again. I would never turn my back on my teammates or my country.". It's not worth reacting to heat. It must be remembered that their efforts in the final against the almighty hosts and much more fancied France were largely without their iconic number 7 after he pulled up early in the match, injured. The five-time Ballon dOr winner may retire from football after losing to Morocco in the World Cup. view detail. Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox. 1000 Brokerage Bonus On DEMAT Account Opening. The Portuguese skipper is already without a club, as Manchester United terminated his contract last month. For all of his superhuman attributes and performance levels, Ronaldo is still very much human and has started to show some signs of decline in his performances at times. He was benched for the Round of 16 match against the Swiss, and started as a substitute once more against the North Africans coming on for the final 39 minutes but unable to change the result in a way he used to. Is Cristiano Ronaldo retiring? Thankyou, Qatar. A passionate football lover, he is putting his knowledge about football to good use both on and off the pitch. He had been expected to quit at the end of the season but the early elimination of his club, Corinthians, from the Copa Libertadores brought forward the date. Your login session has expired. "I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country. Ronaldo came off the bench in the second half, but could not affect the result of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo said in a cryptic social media post that his dream of winning the World Cup with Portugal has ended, while stopping short of announcing his retirement from international duty. Fortunately I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country's name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream," Ronaldo posted on Instagram. However, Bounous heroics secured a historic night for the Moroccans. Focus is on the World Cup. Aside from slating the club, the Portugal star also discussed retirement and made it clear he wasn't thinking of hanging up his boots just yet. Following Ronaldos explosive interview with outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan last November, it was announced that Manchester United and the Portuguese international had parted ways by mutual agreement. At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Most Valuable Football Players playing in the English Premier League, Best Football Players playing in the English Premier League, Best future stars playing in the English Premier League, Premier League (UK) - Confirmed Transfers. Led by legends Luis Figo and Deco, Portugal mounted a run to the semifinals that saw them defeat the Netherlands, before beating England in a penalty shootout, where a 21-year-old Ronaldo scored the winning penalty. The 37-year-old will feature in his tenth major international tournament of his career, with his first being way back at Euro 2004 on home soil as a teenager. MORE: Ronaldotops list of all-time leading international goalscorers. Roberto Martinez showed that he counted on me. In 1996, at the age of 20, he became the youngest player to win Fifa's World Player of the Year title and picked up the award again 12 months later. However, despite this statistic, its his recent performance in the Saudi King Cup of Champions that has fans across social media questioning how long the striker really has left on the pitch. This all changed after Ronaldo left the field. Some had questioned whether Ronaldo would retire from international football or even football altogether after the World Cup is over. RB Leipzig boss confirms Nkunku move to Chelsea? Morocco will face defending champions France in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ronaldo started on the bench for Portugal's games in the last 16 a 6-1 victory over Switzerland and the quarter-finals. The 34-year-old is rapidly closing in on 1,000 professional matches which is indicative of just how much football and mileage he has in his legs. This week Ronaldo was rewarded for being the top international scorer at the Quinas de Oura in his home nation. This could be a sign that his body is no longer in as pristine shape as it once was. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. According to Correio da Manha, Ronaldo won't be retiring right now, and will be aiming to be a part of Portugal's UEFA Euro 2024 squad. However, it turned out not to be the homecoming many expected, as he was toothless in his first match back in the goalless draw against Austria. Breaking it further, the average footballer spends about 15 years playing at the top level and when you do the math, you see the massive stress footballers undergo over the course of their professional career. That was the only goal for the 37-year-old in the tournament and it's clear even Ronaldo isn't immune to Father Time with his playing career now close to its final chapter, with speculation growing as to his next club now his World Cup adventure is over. Juventus spent a club record fee to sign Ronaldo last summer and are paying him a huge amount of money weekly to keep him on their books. For 30 minutes before Ronaldo's substitution, Portugal failed to really impose themselves on the game. They wrote: Yall acting like he never did nothing good in the match. Portugal have since denied such claims, but nevertheless Ronaldo departed the Middle East after scoring just one goal in five appearances. The attacker has lost his place in the Manchester United starting XI and has featured mostly from the bench in the Premier League this season. Now, international duties only serving as a hindrance to his quest for the UEFA Champions League title for the Old Lady. Together with SciSports, FT aims to use advanced football data, current and future skill level as well as contract length and other details to create our unique internal calculation. WebDue to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. The 37-year-old has seemingly played his last match at the World Cup Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed speculation that he could be approaching the end of his international career. Although Ronaldo has repeatedly expressed his desire to retire at the top level of football, no European clubs have approached to sign Ronaldo yet. Ronaldo on Tuesday scored his 101st I've always wanted to play. Defeat for Portugal means that Ronaldo trudges home empty handed once again, and ensures that his packed trophy cabinet will have a glaring empty space where the biggest prize in football should be. 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.". Hes earned our respect. Not bad, right? The next major tournament is the European Championship in 2024. The reality is that there is almost nothing left for Ronaldo to achieve on a personal or collective level. Ronaldo is without a club after leaving Manchester United during the World Cup in the wake of an explosive interview before the tournament when he criticised the manager, board and his teammates at the English club. A football writer at Sportsmanor, Partha Sarathi Banerjee is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in Political Science Hons from Scottish Church College. Be the first one to comment on this story. Also Read | Al-Nassr head coach breaks silence on Ronaldo's eye-watering 400m transfer deal after Portugal's FIFA World Cup exit, Currently a free agent, Ronaldo has been rumoured to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr for a reported two-and-a-half year deal worth 200 million euros per season. It was painful for the soccer fans to see Cristiano Ronaldo crying after the final whistle. The five-time Ballon dOr winner may retire from football after losing to Morocco in the World Cup. The future of head coach Santos, meanwhile, is believed to be uncertain and The Mirror claims that the 68-year-old is facing the sack by the Portuguese FA, who are lining up Jose Mourinho as his successor. The attacker has It is widely believed that to be the greatest, you have to prove yourself on multiple stages, especially for club and country. I learned a lot from that. You know me, I'm not talking about this story. This yardstick is one which has been ticked by Ronaldo, as he has dominated and continues to dominate in three of Europe's five major leagues, while he has also laid down his marker in the annals of international football. READ MORE: Kyrgios' unlikely doubles date with feuding rival, READ MORE: Candice Warner cops 'vile' abuse in front of kids, READ MORE: A-Leagues' $10m grand final cash grab infuriates fans. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he said, "If you want to ask me about Cristiano Ronaldo, I'll tell you right away. Playing on for another five years would enable Ronaldo to play at THREE more major international tournaments. Such a deal would make Ronaldo by far the best-paid player in football history. The Frenchman scored twice as France won 3-0. There may have been talk that the 38-year-old might be done with national side, especially after leaving European shores for Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. Social media users are urging Cristiano Ronaldo to save his legacy and retire from football after footage of him playing in Al Nassrs recent King Cup of Champions defeat went viral. Ronaldo was named on the substitutes' bench by manager Fernando Santos for both of Portugal's knockout matches at the 2022 tournament in Qatar and there were reports claiming that he threatened to walk away from the national team camp after being dropped for the last-16 win over Switzerland. But it was on the world stage where he made the biggest impact, scoring a record total of 15 goals at three World Cups. I think of an action, but I can't do it the way I want to. Ronaldo has revealed that he plans to play for Portugal at Euro 2024, at which point he will be 39 years old. FootballTransfers (FT) is a project designed to fulfill the massive interest in the transfer market and provide a realistic, algorithmically-driven valuation of football players.