Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has no plans to retire from international football.
The 37-year-old has seemingly played his last match at the World Cup following Portugal's disappointing quarter-final exit against Morocco on Saturday.
Ronaldo was named on the substitutes' bench by manager Fernando Santos for both of Portugal's knockout matches at the 2022 tournament in Qatar and there were reports claiming that he threatened to walk away from the national team camp after being dropped for the last-16 win over Switzerland.
Portugal have since denied such claims, but nevertheless Ronaldo departed the Middle East after scoring just one goal in five appearances.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future at club level is currently uncertain after having his contract with Manchester United terminated at the end of last month following a scathing interview about the Red Devils with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.
However, Ronaldo's international future has also been questioned, with the legendary forward hinting that he may call time on his 19-year career with the national team.
"Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country's name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream," Ronaldo posted on Instagram.
"I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five appearances I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
"Sadly [on Saturday] the dream ended. It's not worth reacting to heat. I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal hasn't changed for a moment.
"I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country. For now, there's not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted... Now, it's time to be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions."
Despite suggestions that Ronaldo will call time on his Portugal career, CM Journal reports that the forward intends to continue playing for his country and has already informed national team chiefs of his decision.
Ronaldo, who has scored 118 goals in 196 international appearances for Portugal, allegedly sees himself leading his country out at Euro 2024 as is determined to win the competition for a second time after lifting the trophy in 2016.
The future of head coach Santos, meanwhile, is believed to be uncertain and The Mirror claims that the 68-year-old is facing the sack by the Portuguese FA, who are lining up Jose Mourinho as his successor.
The report adds that the Roma boss would be allowed to continue his role with the Serie A club along with his job at the national team.
Santos, who has spent the last eight years in charge of Portugal, confirmed over the weekend that he will fly back to Lisbon to hold talks about his future. body check tags ::
