Sir Alex Ferguson has made a prediction about Cristiano Ronaldo after seeing him in tears at Euro 2024.
On Monday Portugal squeezed into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 3-0 penalty shootout victory against Slovenia.
Diogo Costa was the hero on the night, producing a fine save late in extra-time to keep the score goalless before saving all three of Slovenia's spot-kicks in the shootout.
Yet despite the goalkeeper's heroics, Ronaldo made himself the centre of attention in Frankfurt.
Advert
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner endured a frustrating evening in front of goal, culminating with Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak saving his extra-time penalty.
A teary-eyed Ronaldo looked to the heavens in disbelief, before bursting into tears when the referee blew for half-time in extra-time a few moments later.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was consoled by several of his teammates while manager Roberto Martinez gave his team talk, but was able to regain his composure for the second period.
Ronaldo redeemed himself by scoring his side's first spot kick of the shootout, before Bruno Fernandes converted and Bernardo Silva swept home the decisive penalty.
The 39-year-old, now playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, has already admitted that Euro 2024 will be his final European Championship.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson - who managed Ronaldo for six years at Man United - thinks this will be the star's final international tournament full-stop.
When asked if a 41-year-old Ronaldo could represent Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ferguson told SportBild: "I can't imagine that.
"Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller.
"In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older."
Speaking after the Slovenia game, Ronaldo - participating in his 11th international tournament - said: "It’s certainly my last Euro.
"But I’m not moved by that, I’m moved by everything that football entails. The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me.
"It’s not because I’m leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most."
Ronaldo and Portugal will take on France in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Euro 2024, Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United, Football
Alex Brotherton