Will Cristiano Ronaldo Continue After Euro 2024 Exit? Portugal Boss Answers Difficult Question

• Cristiano Ronaldo's role in the Portugal team has come to the fore after the Selecao were dumped out of Euro 2024 by France on penalties
• The 39-year-old has already stated that this year's competition will be his last appearance at the European Championship
• Meanwhile, Portugal boss, Roberto Martinez, will have the unenviable task of either axing or allowing Ronaldo to continue with the national team

Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, has tackled the tough question regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's future with the national team following their Euro 2024 exit.

Before the tournament in Germany, Ronaldo's role within the Selecao squad was hotly debated.

Given the array of talent available to the 2016 champions, some pundits and fans alike believed that the 39-year-old's presence might be more of a hindrance than a help.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United great reacts after CR7 breaks another record at Euro 2024

Football

Despite calls to bench the veteran forward, Martinez chose to play Ronaldo in five of their matches.

The Spanish coach's decision to start the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in all three group stage games and the knockout rounds was bold but ultimately did not deliver the desired outcome.

Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr, uncharacteristically failed to score, missing out on becoming the oldest player to ever net a goal at the championship, per The Analyst.

His performance culminated in Portugal's quarter-final elimination after a 5-3 penalty shootout defeat to France.

Will Ronaldo continue with Portugal after Euro 2024 exit?

Following this loss, there has been a growing chorus for the veteran forward to be excluded from the national team altogether.

The pressure is now on Martinez to decide on Ronaldo's future involvement. When questioned about his plans regarding Ronaldo, the 50-year-old's response was notably non-committal.

Euro 2024: Incredible Cristiano Ronaldo Statistic from Tournament Emerges

Football

“We are suffering as a team. There’s no individual decision at this point,” the erstwhile Belgium manager said, as cited by Fabrizio Romano.

Portugal boss praises Ronaldo and co.

Despite Portugal's exit, coach Roberto Martinez emphasised that his team lost with "pride" against France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, promising they would return stronger, as reported by Sports Brief.

He lauded their display in Hamburg, where France avenged their 2016 final defeat with a 5-3 penalty victory following a goalless draw after extra time.

"It was a performance that makes us look to the future with great pride," Martinez remarked.