Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to insinuate that retirement is not that far away, admitting that he "doesn't have many years left" in the game.
The Al Nassr forward, 39, will embark on his sixth European Championship this summer, another record to add to an illustrious list of individual accolades which includes the record number of international caps (207) and goals scored (130).
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has prolonged his career by moving to Saudi Arabia, finding the net 50 times for Al Nassr in the most recent season. The return is his best single season tally in eight years, since his peak at Real Madrid, albeit at a comparatively lower competitive level.
Despite his work-rate and return continuing at their usual pace, Ronaldo, who turns 40 early next year, hinted that his time on the football stage could be coming to an end.
"I know I don't have many years of football left," he said ahead of Portugal's opening fixture against Czech Republic next Tuesday. "It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]."
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The ticking clock has made Ronaldo feel more appreciative of the minutes he continues to get with the national team, he said. Ronaldo has scored 12 times in his last 11 games for Portugal since the start of 2023, including ten during Euro 2024 qualifying.
The uptick in form arrives after his disappointing 2022 World Cup showing. Fuelled by a fractious second exit from Manchester United. The Portugal star did not complete a full match in Qatar and was infamously benched for the crucial Round of 16 clash with Switzerland, in which his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a sublime hat-trick in the 6-1 rout.
(Getty Images)Under new Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo has often been the preferred choice to lead the line. Even so, ahead of the tournament's start, Ronaldo, who claimed the Golden Boot at the last Euros, vowed to "respect the decisions" made by Portugal coach Roberto Martinez at Euro 2024, adding that representing his country at his age was a "gift".
"To score for the national team is special," he said. "The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream."
"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. Playing in 2004, when I made my [Euros] debut, or today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn't get better than this."
He added: "The most important thing is that I am well physically and psychologically. I am prepared, I always prepare in the best way, I am 100% professional. I will be ready as always to help our country and respect the coach's decisions."
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