Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he will retire from international football on his own terms, dismissing persistent questions about the end of his career ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash with Spain.
The 41-year-old captain addressed reporters on Sunday before what is expected to be his final World Cup campaign, making it clear that no one else would decide when he walks away from the national team.
While acknowledging that age has changed him, Ronaldo admitted: “I am not the player I used to be.”
The former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid forward, however, insisted he was still contributing, pointing to his three goals at the tournament—two against Uzbekistan in the group stage and a penalty in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia in the last 32.
Responding to repeated questions about his future, Ronaldo said: “It’s been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change.
“I always put body and soul trying to get our goals — playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play.
“As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose, you always ask the same question.
“I don’t want draw attention to this because it is less important.”
Ronaldo also hit back at critics who have questioned his longevity, saying he had faced scrutiny throughout his career.
“You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it’s a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try.
“I am so used to this,” said the veteran, who is the all-time leading scorer in international football.
The Portugal skipper added that winning or losing the World Cup would not define his legacy.
“I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup.”
Reflecting on life beyond 40, Ronaldo said experience had changed his perspective on criticism.
“Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be,” he said.
“I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40… the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this.”
Ending the press conference, Ronaldo said he had no regrets about his commitment to football.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience — not 100 percent but 1,000 percent because in life and football I gave everything.”
