Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed any immediate thoughts of retiring from international football, stating that he still has much to offer Portugal. During a press conference on Monday, the 39-year-old expressed his commitment to the national team ahead of Thursday's Nations League match against Croatia in Lisbon.
"When the time comes, I'll step aside. It won't be a hard decision," Ronaldo said. "If I ever feel that I'm no longer contributing, I'll be the first to leave." He referenced his former teammate Pepe, who retired gracefully last August at the age of 41.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has been playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia for nearly two years, failed to score during his record sixth European Championship this year, where Portugal was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
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Despite the criticism he faced, Ronaldo affirmed that he "never considered leaving the national team" and continues to have the support of coach Roberto Martinez.
"People had very high expectations for the national team," Ronaldo remarked, adding that difficult moments in a footballer's career "help you grow."
Following Thursday's match against Croatia, Portugal will remain in Lisbon to face Scotland on Sunday.
