Portugal coach gives direct response to Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement after full-time gesture

Roberto Martinez has refused to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo's international future after another harrowing night for the greatest player of all time ended with his country being knocked out of Euro 2024. Amid another ineffective performance from the 39-year-old, Portugal were beaten on penalties by France after the clash in Hamburg ended goalless after 120 minutes.

Despite a quiet performance, Ronaldo remained on the pitch for the entire match and missed a golden opportunity in added time when he deflected a Francisco Conceicao back pass well over the bar.

He did indeed score his penalty in the shootout, but having already confirmed that this would be his final Euro tournament, the debate now turns to whether international football's record goalscorer will ever play for Portugal again.

After the defeat, Ronaldo took time to console a crying Pepe on the pitch, with his former Real Madrid teammate also set to leave the national team. Between them, the two players have won over 350 caps for the national team. Lusitanians.

But Martinez, who has been a vocal defender of his captain throughout the tournament, was in no mood to answer questions about the star's future. In his post-match press conference, he was blunt when asked if this was his final appearance in a Portugal shirt.

“We are suffering as a team, there is no individual decision to be made at this stage,” he said, before reiterating his view. “It is too early and too late after the game to talk about it and no individual decision has been made.”

He also spoke about Pepe's emotional reaction, saying: “His tears are a reflection of frustration. Pepe is a role model in Portuguese football. What he did tonight and during the tournament will stay with us for generations to come.”

A match that promised so much attacking talent fell short, with France eventually winning 5-3 on penalties. Theo Hernandez scored the winning penalty after substitute Joao Felix hit the outside of the post.

Martinez's decision to keep CR7 on the pitch for the full 120 minutes was heavily criticised by pundits. The Al-Nassr player finished the tournament without scoring a goal in seven games, after scoring just once at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Regardless, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing at the club until at least the summer of 2025, when his contract with the Saudi Pro League side expires. He is reportedly in talks to extend his multi-million pound deal.

He has 64 goals in just 70 club games in the Middle East since his controversial move from Manchester United in January 2023. His international record currently stands at 130 goals in 212 games.