Despite failing to score at UEFA Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo still has no intention of retiring before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Al Nassr star also had a disastrous campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is no longer playing in Europe.

Adding to the mix, Ronaldo’s former teammate Rio Ferdinand has given a lengthy update on the striker’s professional future. Speaking on Rio Reacts, he said: “I can’t give too much away but I’ve spoken to Cristiano behind the scenes and he’s playing as long as he wants. He’s not going anywhere. And I was stunned. And listen, you’ll see over time, but I think he’ll play for at least another three years.”

Portugal, meanwhile, were knocked out of Euro 2024 after losing to France on penalties in the quarter-finals. Following his side’s defeat, coach Roberto Martinez gave an update on Ronaldo’s future, saying: “It’s too early and too early after the game to talk about it and no individual decisions have been made.”

Following the Portuguese’s departure, media outlets also reported that Ronaldo has yet to make a decision on retirement. He is expected to play for the next two to three years.

The former Real Madrid star represented Portugal at six European Championships and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for international goals scored, with 130 for Portugal. He is also the most capped player for his country, having helped Portugal reach the final of the European Championships in 2004 and 2016, winning the latter.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he became the first and only player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament, scoring eight goals. He also made his Euro 2004 debut and holds the record for most appearances in the tournament, as well as the only player to score five goals in a row.