Portugal and Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota has claimed that he is unsure about the UEFA Euro 2024 being Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo's last major international tournament.
During the Euro 2024, Ronaldo came under a lot of scrutiny for his sub-par outings for Portugal. The 39-year-old failed to net a single goal and even missed a penalty in 486 minutes of action at the tournament.
During a recent chat with The Liverpool Echo, Jota was asked to opine on his lack of first-team minutes while recently representing Portugal in Germany. He replied (h/t GOAL):
"I don't have much to say about it. I think we could have gone all the way but we lost in the quarter-finals. I'm always ready to help my country. It wasn't required so you get that frustration from feeling that you could have helped."
Asked to shed light on the Al-Nassr star's plans, Jota responded:
"I am not sure about [the Euros being his last international tournament]. I am not sure what he told about his last tournament. But he has been an inspiration for me since his early days, since I can remember. He is an icon and won the Ballon d'Or multiple times. He was a reference for me. I was glad to share a dressing room with him and learn everything I could. I will thank him for that."
After Portugal's Euro 2024 last-eight exit to France, Ronaldo confirmed that he will not take part in the Euro 2028. However, the Al-Nassr striker can still represent his national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Ex-Chelsea star slams Cristiano Ronaldo's decision at recently concluded Euro 2024
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo for playing in Portugal's 2-0 Euro 2024 Group F loss to Georgia. He said:
"A lot of people criticized Ronaldo about taking [all of the] free-kicks, about trying to do everything [on his own], trying to play every game. But I've said it a few times, the only place I criticize him in that tournament is [his decision] to play the group-stage game against Georgia. He did not need to play that game. You're 39 years old, take a break. Have a rest and refresh for the next game."
The Al-Nassr forward completed eight of 12 passes and registered just one shot in Portugal's dead rubber group-stage clash against Georgia.
Overall, the Portuguese recorded one assist in five Euro 2024 games.