Sir Alex Ferguson makes Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal prediction for Euro 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo is playing in his last major tournament for Portugal, says Sir Alex Ferguson (AMA/Getty)

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s appearance at Euro 2024 will be his last major tournament with Portugal.

Portugal are currently preparing for their Euro 2024 quarter-final tie against France this Friday after beating Slovenia on penalties in their last-16 match on Monday evening.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is yet to score a goal in four games at Euro 2024 and was reduced to tears against Slovenia after his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak in the first half of extra time, although he made up for his miss by scoring Portugal’s first spot kick in the shootout.

The 39-year-old, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, has already declared that this will be his final European Championship campaign with Portugal.

And Ferguson feels Ronaldo, who he managed for six years at Manchester United, will not be part of Portugal’s World Cup squad at 41 years of age.

Sir Alex Ferguson managed Cristiano Ronaldo for six years at Manchester United (Getty)

When asked if he thinks Ronaldo will be playing for Portugal at the World Cup in 2026, Ferguson told SportBild: ‘I can’t imagine that.

‘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 added that Ronaldo is ‘one of the greatest footballers of all time’ and believes his former player is no longer motivated by winning trophies.

‘One or two more titles would not mean much to him,’ Ferguson said. ‘Because he has had a unique career.’

Speaking after Portugal’s shootout victory over Slovenia, Ronaldo, who is playing in his 11th major tournament for his national side, said: ‘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.’

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