Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Euro 2024 will be Cristiano Ronaldo's last major tournament with Portugal.
Ronaldo, 39, is currently preparing for his nation's quarter-final tie against France on Friday after they dramatically beat Slovenia on penalties in the last-16.
However, the Al-Nassr star - who is Portugal's all-time record goalscorer with 130 goals in 211 caps - is enduring somewhat of a nightmare tournament having failed to score in four games, while he was reduced to tears after seeing his penalty saved by Slovenia keeper Jan Oblak in extra time on Monday.
Ronaldo was brought to Man United by Ferguson as an 18-year-old in 2003, before he played under the legendary Scottish boss for six years at Old Trafford.
And Ferguson felt that Ronaldo, who has already confirmed this tournament will be his last Euros, would not be part of Roberto Martinez's side at the 2026 World Cup.
'I can't image that (he'll play in 2026),' Ferguson told SportBild, as per Metro.
‘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.’
Ferguson went onto praise the 39-year-old, who has played in 11 major tournaments for his country, as 'one of the greatest footballers of all time', but also felt the forward was no longer simply driven by trophies.
‘One or two more titles would not mean much to him,’ Ferguson added. ‘Because he has had a unique career.’
Speaking earlier this week after Portugal's dramatic shootout victory over Slovenia, where Ronaldo scored his spot kick, the Al-Nassr star had explained: ‘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.’
kemadknoz
0
Ferguson is wrong ronaldo will play 2 more years in football
Man001
1
So now you want to tell us that your in he's mind? Hope you read what he said about this competition? i don't know where have you attended school
It's called COMMON SENSE big man. Then we all know how Ronaldo things, he is competitive mainly over Messi. If you been following football for the last 15 years or so you will know, just from the days of Man U Ronaldo always wanted to be #1 along the same time a certain Argentine #10 was making noise at Barca. Go read what the likes of Paul Scholes and Giggs and Ferdinand said abt Ronaldo when told Messi was better...He didn't say he will retire after Euro 2024, he said it might be his last. He could play the next 4 seasons until the next Euro but not participate in it, he could retire from Portugal but could still be playing club football....as long as Messi still is playing too. By the way, where has Ronaldo`s sister been? She hasn't said anything since December of 2022
sidabcopr
0
He analyzes football simply but, he also suffered in the hands of Barcelona during his ending.
What makes you think that Manchester United suffered in the hand of Barcelona during Sir Alex Ferguson's era? We eliminated Barcelona in two semifinals and ended up winning the trophies in those competitions and in turns, Barcelona beat us in two separate finals which made the head to head 2-2. So what's there? Abeg go sit down jor
Zeyabelntz
0
Wrong verdict ! Can use CR7 as a backup striker in the 2nd half of any match where the opposing side will be tired and CR7 can outwit them !!!
yesbdnorst
0
the real boss who knows much about football Sir Alex Ferguson can't imagine how he analyze football very simple and true.
you need more knowledge of football and coaching bro.
yesbdnorst
2
I forgive Sir Alex cause he's been retired from football for a long time. Ronaldo still needs trophies but can't win them. and what about Portugal they don't want to win trophies.
Tiobklorty
0
I truly believe Ronaldo is driven by Messi. He won't want to retire as long as Messi continues to play. Why? Don't 4get Ronaldo highly values being the highest scorer in football history. If he retired and Messi played maybe 2seasons more then that record would surely become Messi`s. Messi is only abt 50 goals or so behind Ronaldo`s #s.
So now you want to tell us that your in he's mind? Hope you read what he said about this competition? i don't know where have you attended school
Howbelopst
0
He knows that for a fact ????!!!
wucdemopsu
1
Cueabcekrs
1
the real boss who knows much about football Sir Alex Ferguson can't imagine how he analyze football very simple and true.
He analyzes football simply but, he also suffered in the hands of Barcelona during his ending.
Man001
5
I truly believe Ronaldo is driven by Messi. He won't want to retire as long as Messi continues to play. Why? Don't 4get Ronaldo highly values being the highest scorer in football history. If he retired and Messi played maybe 2seasons more then that record would surely become Messi`s. Messi is only abt 50 goals or so behind Ronaldo`s #s.
Football_Messi
1
if Portugal can feed him the ball he can play..
Kazbdklpr
0
Soory sarki CR7
buzbcdiknr
1
the real boss who knows much about football Sir Alex Ferguson can't imagine how he analyze football very simple and true.