Cristiano Ronaldo: Retirement Looms as Portugal Star Reflects on Nations League Win

Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments after Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory over Spain have ignited discussions about his future in football. The 40-year-old star, showing considerable emotion after the penalty shootout win, played a significant role in the match. The game, which ended in a 2-2 draw before Portugal’s 5-3 penalty triumph, was held at the Allianz Arena. Ronaldo scored a crucial goal in the 61st minute. Post-match, he disclosed that he played with an injury and conveyed his unwavering commitment to the national team, even to the point of playing with a serious injury. Addressing retirement speculation, Ronaldo acknowledged his age while expressing his commitment to continue playing if injuries don’t intervene. “You know how old I am already. Obviously, I’m closer to the end than I was at the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going,” he told reporters. Celebrating the victory, Ronaldo shared his immense pride: “I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. These are tears. It’s mission accomplished and so much joy.” He further elaborated on his dedication, saying, “I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it. It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.” Ronaldo emphasized the special feeling of representing Portugal, contrasting it with his experiences playing for various clubs worldwide.