Manchester United phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo could continue playing beyond Euro 2024, according to Portugal teammate Jose Fonte.
The 37-year-old has shrugged off claims of retirement and will be delighted his beloved Portugal have booked their place at this winter’s World Cup, following a 2-0 play-off final win against North Macedonia.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be competing in a record-equalling fifth World Cup, having been selected for his country for the tournament in Germany in 2006. The former Juventus man has been ever present at football’s biggest tournament ever since.
Having scored in four World Cup tournaments, Ronaldo joins Pele, Uwe Seeder and Miroslav Klose as the only male players to do so.
But in Qatar, United’s number seven will be looking to rewrite history once again by becoming the only male player to have scored at five different World Cups.
Despite becoming FIFA’s all-time scorer this year with 807 goals, Lille centre-back Fonte isn’t ruling Ronaldo out of featuring in a record-breaking sixth World Cup.
By the time the 2026 World Cup in across USA, Canada and Mexico commences, Ronaldo will be 41-years-old, but given his meticulous attention and dedication to looking after his body, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the great Portuguese still part of the international fold.
Speaking on talkSPORT about Ronaldo’s longevity, Fonte said: “I think he’s left it pretty clear in his last interview, he’s the one who decides his future.
“I think that physically he feels good, he feels great.
“If he had the chance to win it and the chance to keep performing at the highest stages then he’ll keep playing, as he said.
“Nobody knows exactly what he has in his mind, so only he can decide his future.
“He wants to play and keep playing so I would assume that he will be in Qatar, and not only in Qatar but in the next Euros at least.”
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