Cristiano Ronaldo Keeps Teammates in the Dark About His Future in International Tournaments, as Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Asked About Portugal’s Iconic Striker
Cristiano Ronaldo is keeping everyone in the dark regarding his international future, including his teammate Diogo Jota.
The 39-year-old forward played 486 minutes at Euro 2024 – more than anyone else in Roberto Martinez’s squad – but failed to score any goals during the event, subsequently suffering a quarter-final loss to France.
Ronaldo has won 212 caps for his country, scoring 130 goals, but questions have been raised about whether he will participate in another major tournament.
The next World Cup is in two years, with Ronaldo set to be 41 by then, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has shown no signs of slowing down at the club level with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
His form there, including 50 goals last season, earned him a significant role in another European Championship – but there has been criticism over the heavy reliance on this legendary player.
Jota was among those who saw their playing time limited by Ronaldo, as he played only 97 minutes, but the Liverpool star told Liverpool Echo about standing behind CR7 and whether he will be seen again on a big international stage: “I don’t have much to say about this. I think we could have gone all the way, but we lost in the quarter-finals. I’m always ready to help my country. It wasn’t needed this time, so you feel that disappointment when you think you could have helped.
“I’m not sure if [the Euros were Ronaldo’s last international tournament]. I’m not sure what he’s said about his last tournament. But he has been an inspiration to me since his early days, as far back as I can remember. He’s an icon and has won the Ballon d’Or several times. He was a reference for me. I’m happy to have shared a dressing room with him and learned everything I could from him. I will thank him for that.”
