Every athlete has gone through a rough patch in their career. Even big names have struggled once or more times in their lives and faced criticism. But elite athletes overcome those difficulties and stamp their authority on the game. Cristiano Ronaldo is no exception to it.
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After a poor start to the last season with the club, Ronaldo was not at his best with the national team in the Qatar FIFA World Cup. He failed miserably. His season was going nowhere, and his contract with Manchester United was mutually terminated before the World Cup after the explosive interview. Ronaldo recently spoke about retirement considerations ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Cristiano Ronaldo considered retiring from international soccer!
After the rough first half of the season and a poor World Cup campaign, Ronaldo considered retirement from international soccer. Ronaldo, who is now enjoying his life with a big smile on his face with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, recently, in an interview, shed light on his retirement decision. Portugal’s new coach Roberto Martinez called him up for international duty for the upcoming UEFA Euro qualifiers, and he was speaking ahead of the first game.
“I’m not going to lie. In our life, we have to put everything on the scale,” Ronaldo said. “We thought, we reflected, me and my family, but then we came to the conclusion that, despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel. I was able to see situations at different angles. I learned a lot from that.”
Muito feliz por voltar à nossa seleção e poder representar novamente Portugal!🇵🇹🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/TuVSZ4D8as
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 21, 2023
The Al Nassr talisman also spoke of his Portugal selection. He said, “I’m glad to be back. Roberto Martinez showed that he counted on me. I’ve always wanted to play. As you know, he talked to everyone and to me, too. And I was able to realize that I have a lot to give to the national team. I feel it, I want it, and my desire is to take Portugal to the highest level. I will always give my contribution when they need me.”
Eyes will be on the performance of Ronaldo
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Portugal will take on Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in the upcoming international break. They are in Group J for the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, and Iceland complete the group. Every Ronaldo performance on the international stage will be under scrutiny now.
It will be interesting to see how the five-time Ballon d’Or winner helps Portugal with his leadership, experience, and goal-scoring abilities at 38. He will be determined to put the miserable World Cup campaign back and start a new chapter under a new manager. Ronaldo’s hunger for the goal is still there, and there’s no doubt he will add to his international tally if he plays.
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Let us know your thoughts on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should continue on an international stage or not.