Cristiano Ronaldo has made retirement admission ahead of Euro 2024 with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his retirement from playing may not be too far off, confessing that he "doesn't have many years left" in the sport.

The 39-year-old Al Nassr forward is set to participate in his sixth European Championship this summer, adding yet another record to his impressive list of individual achievements, which includes the highest number of international caps (207) and goals scored (130).

The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, a teammate of Liverpool star Diogo Jota for the national team, has extended his career by transferring to Saudi Arabia, where he scored 50 goals for Al-Nassr in the most recent season. This is his best single-season tally in eight years, since his prime at Real Madrid, albeit at a relatively lower competitive level.

Despite maintaining his usual pace and performance, Ronaldo, who will turn 40 early next year, suggested that his time on the football pitch might be winding down.

READ MORE: Alisson Becker makes transfer decision after 'massive' Cristiano Ronaldo offer
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo plan could have major implications for Liverpool star

"I know I don't have many years of football left," he stated ahead of Portugal's first match against the Czech Republic next Tuesday. "It's a gift to play year after year, after 35. I'm 39 and every year is about enjoying [myself]".

Ronaldo expressed that the ticking clock has made him more grateful for the time he continues to spend with the national team. Since the beginning of 2023, Ronaldo has scored 12 times in his last 11 games for Portugal, including ten during Euro 2024 qualifying.

The resurgence in form comes after Cristiano Ronaldo's less-than-stellar performance at the 2022 World Cup, which was marred by a controversial departure from Manchester United. Ronaldo didn't play a full game in Qatar and was notably left on the bench during Portugal's decisive Round of 16 match against Switzerland, where his substitute Goncalo Ramos netted an impressive hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.

READ MORE: Liverpool takes step towards 'unique' Leny Yoro transfer alongside Man Utd
READ MORE: Lionel Messi decides final club he will play for as end of legendary career nears

Under the guidance of new Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo has been the go-to striker. However, before the tournament kicked off, Ronaldo, who secured the Golden Boot at the previous European Championship, committed to "respect the decisions" of coach Martinez for Euro 2024, expressing that playing for his nation at this stage of his career is a "gift".

"To score for the national team is special," he expressed. "The national team is the love of my life, winning the Euros would be a dream."

"For me, playing for the national team is a passion, a love. Any game is special, a European Championship is special, it will be my sixth, which is also a record. Playing in 2004, when I made my [Euros] debut, or today, the feeling is always of pride and passion. It doesn't get better than this."

He further stated: "The most important thing is that I am well physically and psychologically. I am prepared, I always prepare in the best way, I am 100% professional. I will be ready as always to help our country and respect the coach's decisions."