CRISTIANO RONALDO spoke out for the first time after Portugal’s heartbreaking exit from Euro 2024.
Roberto Martinez’s side crashed out in the quarter-finals on Friday after a 5-3 loss to France on penalties following a drab 0-0 draw.
Ronaldo, 39, took to social media and insists the team as well as the fans “deserved more” from this year’s tournament.
The Manchester United legend also paid tribute to the supporters and the way they stood by the team in Germany.
And the Al-Nassr superstar hinted he will be part of the national team that will challenge for the 2026 World Cup despite his advanced age.
Ronaldo posted: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal.
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“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.”
Ronaldo failed to score a single goal during this year’s European championship.
The star forward only managed to hit the back of the net during Portugal’s last two penalty shoot-outs against Slovenia and of course France.
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However, Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix missed from the spot in Hamburg.
And Porto star Diogo Costa couldn’t replicate his penalty heroics against Slovenia this time around as France scored all of their shots.
Ousmane Dembele, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Kounde, Bradley Barcola and Theo Hernandez were all on target.
How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
