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4 months ago
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Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed to fans his vision for his future in international football.
The Portugal star is at his sixth European Championship and 11th major tournament, winning the Euros once in 2016.
On Monday night he broke down in tears after seeing Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak save his spot-kick in extra-time - before thumping home his second effort in a triumphant penalty shoot-out.
The longevity of a 39-year-old who has played in 1,266 career matches is a marvel and fans have been debating for years how long he can keep going for.
'It is without a doubt my last European Championship,' Ronaldo said, via Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has confirmed that this will be his final European Championship
The former Man United star is at his sixth European Championship and was thanking his lucky stars on Monday night
He saw his spot-kick saved in extra-time but scored in the shoot-out as Portugal beat Slovenia
'But I don't get emotional about that, I get emotional about everything that football involves.
'Because of the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm of seeing my supporters, my family, the affection that people have for me.
'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 still searching for a goal at this Euros but it is not for a lack of trying.
He was denied several times by Oblak in a demanding match which saw Portugal register 20 shots but fail to find a way past the Atletico Madrid custodian.
That he broke down in tears following his penalty being saved shows the level of care he has for the sport.
Diogo Dalot and several other stars rushed over to comfort the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.
He said 'making people happy' is what motivates him the most, not getting 'one more point'
On today's episode of It's All Kicking Off! Euros Daily podcast, Ian Ladyman and Mike Keegan slam a 'narcissistic main character' who should not have cried mid-match.
From that moment, another 15 minutes of goalless action meant the match would be decided by penalties and gave Ronaldo a chance to make amends for his previous error.
He made no mistake on his second visit to the penalty spot and lashed his effort into the bottom corner past a stretching Oblak, who failed to make a save in the shootout.
Portugal's Diogo Costa, meanwhile, became the first goalkeeper in history to save three penalties in a shoot-out at the Euros.
Posting a short social media update after the match, Ronaldo's translated post from his native tongue, read: 'Inexplicable moments. Let's give it our all! Thank you.'
English (US)