Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a message to Portuguese fans after they were beaten on penalties by France.
In his message, Ronaldo thanked the fans for their support during the tournament and pledged to keep building his legacy with his national team. Despite scoring his penalty in the shootout, the Portuguese captain continued his poor form at the tournament and did little in the 120 minutes to help Portugal progress to the semi-finals. Portugal’s exit prompted rumours that Ronaldo would retire from internationals, but his message hints at the opposite.
Posting on Instagram, Ronaldo said: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal.
“We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built. Together.”
The language in the message gives the impression that the Portuguese forward believes he has unfinished business in his national team’s shirt. Ronaldo may have his eyes set on the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico but he will be 41 years old by the time that tournament comes around.
Ronaldo’s future in the national team remains in the balance. There were calls for the captain to be dropped in favour of either Diogo Jota or Goncalo Ramos in order to offer the side more balance. Ronaldo failed to score a goal in the tournament with his missed penalty against Slovenia in the round of 16 his most memorable moment in the tournament. He may want to continue, but Roberto Martinez may decide it’s time to move on from Ronaldo.
