Portugal's Euro 2024 journey ended in heartbreak with a quarter-final defeat to France, and the futures of two of its legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, hang in the balance. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez insists "no individual decisions" have been made regarding their international careers, leaving fans and pundits speculating.
Ronaldo and Pepe: Icons of Portuguese Football
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Pepe, 41, have been stalwarts for Portugal throughout the tournament. Ronaldo played every minute, even during the penalty shootout victory over Slovenia and the agonizing loss to France. Pepe made history as the oldest player in European Championship history, and his tearful embrace with Ronaldo after the match was a poignant moment.
"Pepe is a role model in Portuguese football, " said Martinez. "His tears are frustration, but his legacy will inspire future generations."
Ronaldo's Struggles: A Tournament to Forget
Ronaldo had a challenging tournament, failing to score in his five appearances despite having more shots than any other player. His missed extra-time penalty against Slovenia was a low point, though he redeemed himself in the shootout. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star now faces questions about his future with the national team.
"They probably know it's the end of the line, " said former Portugal defender Jose Fonte. "They've achieved so much; sometimes you just have to give the young boys a chance."
Managerial Decisions Under Scrutiny
Despite Ronaldo's lack of goals, Martinez continued to start him, a decision criticized by pundits like Chris Sutton and Danny Murphy. Sutton accused Martinez of having an "obsession" with Ronaldo, while Murphy questioned the logic of keeping him on the field when he was struggling.
What's Next?
As the dust settles on Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, the futures of Ronaldo and Pepe remain uncertain. Will they step aside for the next generation, or is there another chapter in their illustrious careers? Only time will tell.