Featured Image Credit: Optus Sport
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Euro 2024
Josh Lawless
Cristiano Ronaldo made a heartbreaking confession after Portugal squeezed past Slovenia in their Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Monday night
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had a golden chance to send his country into the quarter finals in extra time when Diogo Jota was fouled inside the area and a penalty was awarded.
Ronaldo stepped up but saw his effort brilliantly saved by Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak.
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The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star was reduced to tears at the miss, which was his third from the spot in major tournaments.
But after being consoles by teammates, he redeemed himself in the penalty shoot-out which followed, converting past Oblak in the opposite corner and apologising to the fans.
Portugal's shotstopper Diogo Costa was the hero, saving a historic three Slovenia penalties in a row to allow Bernardo Silva to score the winner and set up a quarter final showdown with France on Friday.
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It could well be the final Euros game for Ronaldo, who has admitted that his sixth tournament will also be his last as he nears the end of his glittering career.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” Ronaldo said after the game, as per O Jogo.
“But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.
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"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 now 39 and has 1,266 career matches for club and country to his name.
He is yet to find the net in this year's Euros but holds the record for the most goals (14) and most appearances (28).
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Ronaldo will add another impressive record to his collection if he does score in his final campaign.