Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plans for when he will retire - and the main factor keeping him going at 39 - after his tears in Portugal's Euro penalty shoot-out win over Slovenia

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed to fans what he intends to do beyond Euro 2024 The Portugal star is at his sixth European Championship and won one in 2016 LISTEN: Join us as we debate the BIGGEST talking points on It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed to fans his vision for his future in international football.

The Portugal star is at his sixth European Championship and 11th major tournament, winning the Euros once in 2016.

On Monday night he broke down in tears after seeing Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak save his spot-kick in extra-time - before thumping home his second effort in a triumphant penalty shoot-out.

The longevity of a 39-year-old who has played in 1,266 career matches is a marvel and fans have been debating for years how long he can keep going for.

'It is without a doubt my last European Championship,' Ronaldo said, via Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has confirmed that this will be his final European Championship

Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has confirmed that this will be his final European Championship

The former Man United star is at his sixth European Championship and was thanking his lucky stars on Monday night

The former Man United star is at his sixth European Championship and was thanking his lucky stars on Monday night

He saw his spot-kick saved in extra-time but scored in the shoot-out as Portugal beat Slovenia

He saw his spot-kick saved in extra-time but scored in the shoot-out as Portugal beat Slovenia

Podcast All episodes
  • 'England don't look like a team, they've got away with one again'
    'England don't look like a team, they've got away with one again'
  • PODCAST: Time for England to step it up as judgement day arrives
    PODCAST: Time for England to step it up as judgement day arrives
  • PODCAST: 'Ronaldo never accepted him': Why Ralf Rangnick failed
    PODCAST: 'Ronaldo never accepted him': Why Ralf Rangnick failed
  • EUROS PODCAST: Will any other nations be AFRAID to play England?
    EUROS PODCAST: Will any other nations be AFRAID to play England?
  • EUROS DAILY: Sub-par Scotland sent packing as Lineker rattles England
    EUROS DAILY: Sub-par Scotland sent packing as Lineker rattles England
Play on Apple Spotify

'But I don't get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves.

'Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.

'It's not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win?

'It won't be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.'

Ronaldo is still searching for a goal at this Euros but it is not for a lack of trying.

He was denied several times by Oblak in a demanding match which saw Portugal register 20 shots but fail to find a way past the Atletico Madrid custodian.

That he broke down in tears following his penalty being saved shows the level of care he has for the sport.

Diogo Dalot and several other stars rushed over to comfort the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.

He said 'making people happy' is what motivates him the most, not getting 'one more point'

He said 'making people happy' is what motivates him the most, not getting 'one more point'

On today's episode of It's All Kicking Off! Euros Daily podcast, Ian Ladyman and Mike Keegan slam a 'narcissistic main character' who should not have cried mid-match.

From that moment, another 15 minutes of goalless action meant the match would be decided by penalties and gave Ronaldo a chance to make amends for his previous error.

He made no mistake on his second visit to the penalty spot and lashed his effort into the bottom corner past a stretching Oblak, who failed to make a save in the shootout.

Portugal's Diogo Costa, meanwhile, became the first goalkeeper in history to save three penalties in a shoot-out at the Euros.

Posting a short social media update after the match, Ronaldo's translated post from his native tongue, read: 'Inexplicable moments. Let's give it our all! Thank you.'

OTHER NEWS

32 minutes ago

Aldi Australia sends American customers into a spin with new snacks

32 minutes ago

How right-wing newspapers changed their coverage as Tory campaign imploded

32 minutes ago

Covid infection rates were more than a third higher in deprived areas

32 minutes ago

Portugal vs. France expected lineups, starting 11, team news: Mbappe and Ronaldo to lead the attack in Euro 2024 quarterfinal

32 minutes ago

How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in Old Town Scottsdale

32 minutes ago

Argentina vs. Ecuador odds, lineup prediction, live stream: Where to watch Copa America online, TV channel

32 minutes ago

Government goes to tender on major water buybacks to help envrionment in Murray-Darling Basin

32 minutes ago

Wallabies coach hoping Liam's the Wright captaincy call

32 minutes ago

Central Bank may delay Revolut plans to offer mortgages from early next year

32 minutes ago

A boil water advisory has been issued for D.C. and Arlington over safety concerns

32 minutes ago

The Latest | The UK goes to the polls in a national election with results expected early Friday

32 minutes ago

Is this the most offensive lingerie ad ever?

32 minutes ago

The best Caesar salad recipe even if you think you don’t like anchovies

32 minutes ago

Hugh Grant urges UK public to ‘destroy’ Rishi Sunak in general election

32 minutes ago

Wallabies launch Schmidt era against struggling Wales

32 minutes ago

Jail for man who molested teen passenger while providing illegal carpooling service

38 minutes ago

L.A. to pay $21M to settle claims over botched fireworks detonation by police 3 years ago

38 minutes ago

Portugal v France TV channel, start time and how to watch Euro 2024 quarter final online

38 minutes ago

Animals can have babies without a mate – just ask Ronaldo the snake

38 minutes ago

Gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock makes her TV debut under new WWE name

38 minutes ago

The ‘tax-free trap’: How a simple phrase skews Canadians’ savings choices

38 minutes ago

Why work four days a week when you can work six? Greece gives it a shot.

38 minutes ago

Delta flight to Amsterdam diverted to New York over spoiled meals

38 minutes ago

World’s tallest dog dies days after record

38 minutes ago

Oliver Bearman: The rise of Britain’s next Formula 1 star

38 minutes ago

Pickford: Keep believing in us

42 minutes ago

Federal agency plans to cull 450,000 barred owls to boost another species

42 minutes ago

Foden defends under-fire Southgate, says players must step up

42 minutes ago

Sustainability-related loans in S’pore register sixth year of rise to $30.4b

42 minutes ago

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ Review: Eddie Murphy Back on the Case

42 minutes ago

Growth forecasts may be too high, says NewEdge's Cameron Dawson

42 minutes ago

High Blood Pressure Warning Signs: What To Look Out For

42 minutes ago

Kmart Australia 'dupe' that's 'better' than $679 Dyson Airwrap

42 minutes ago

These Cape beauties are on a mission to become the next Miss South Africa

42 minutes ago

Premier League set to scrutinise ‘unofficial deadline day’ transfers

48 minutes ago

Paramount Plus' Dexter prequel series is ready to slay as Buffy herself joins the cast

48 minutes ago

Tested: Giant Trance X

48 minutes ago

'Dance Vaganza Season 2' celebrated dance in Dubai

48 minutes ago

Manchester United set to make up to 250 staff redundant in cost-cutting measure

48 minutes ago

Psychologist reveals three phrases you should say to yourself to keep a cool head when you're having a stressful day at work