Cristiano Ronaldo Hints When He Will Retire After Netting Brace vs Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo Hints When He Will Retire After Netting Brace vs Ireland

Fred Kennedy
June 12, 2024 at 9:42 AM
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  • Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was the man of the moment during his side's warm-up match with the Republic of Ireland
  • The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a fine brace in the second half of the Tuesday night clash as Portugal secured a 3-0 win
  • Ronaldo's brace took his tally at the international stage to 130 goals in 207 appearances for the Roberto Martinez-tutored side

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Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his retirement plans after scoring a brace against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, June 11.

The Al Nassr superstar was part of Portugal's squad that edged Ireland 3-0 during their friendly meeting ahead of the Euro 2024.

Joao Felix opened the scoring for the Selecao in the 18th minute before Ronaldo doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a sensational strike.

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his retirement plans following his brace vs Ireland. Photo by Pedro Loureiro.
Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his retirement plans following his brace vs Ireland. Photo by Pedro Loureiro.
Source: Getty Images

The veteran forward went on to make it 3-0 moments later as Portugal stormed to victory in their last warm-up game before the Euros.

Ronaldo's brace was the biggest talking point of the encounter, with his fine performance, despite his advanced age, leaving fans and pundits in awe.

Ronaldo speaks on his retirement

While the former Manchester United striker is expected to play a key part in the upcoming tournament, he has come out to admit that he does not have many years left in football.

Speaking via Fabrizio Romano after the Ireland clash, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner addressed his long-term football future and said:

“I don't have many years left in football… so, I have to enjoy it."
“I'm in love with football. Every game is special, imagine at the Euros with Portugal, you feel proud... it's a dream, like when I was 20," he added.

His latest admission came after he previously disclosed that he plans to play into his forties.

This would see him potentially play for his country at the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT reports that Ronaldo's brace took his tally to 130 goals for Portugal in 207 appearances.

The 2016 Euro Champions are in Group F of the 2024 edition of the tournament, along with Turkey, Georgia, and Czechia.

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo and Luka Modric sharing a special moment after Portugal's friendly tie against Croatia.

The duo were teammates at Real Madrid from 2013 to 2018, forming a formidable partnership at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team