After an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, has revealed that this World Cup may mark the end of his remarkable journey in international football. The day before what could be his final match, the Portuguese captain acknowledged the reality that many had speculated about but he had hesitated to articulate. “This will be my last World Cup; God willing tomorrow is not my last game,” he stated, reflecting on his legacy with a sense of acceptance.
Ronaldo emphasized his contentment with his career, saying, “I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me,” His first appearance for Portugal was in a match against Kazakhstan at the Estádio Municipal Eng. Manuel Branco Teixeira, where he came on as a substitute for Luís Figo. The possibility of concluding his international career against Spain at the Dallas Stadium looms, with Portugal facing elimination if they lose.
During the press conference, which could be a farewell to his fans, Ronaldo appeared reflective and somewhat lighthearted, joking with the media present. He mentioned the relentless scrutiny he has faced over the years, stating, “I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.” while also noting that scoring three goals in the tournament is a commendable achievement. When asked about his future, he quipped, “You always ask the same question, whether this is the last one,”
Initially, Ronaldo expressed a desire to avoid dwelling on his impending retirement, stating, “but, honestly, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscious, not 100% but 1,000% because I have given everything to football. I don’t need it; I live well, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it. Whatever happens tomorrow I can’t put pressure on myself, saying we have the obligation to win. No, what will be will be. You have to enjoy it day to day. And I have scored three goals. I’m not doing too badly, right? “They’ve tried to kill me for 23 years. There’s no point paying too much attention to it. It’s part of it … People in Portugal have faith, they never fail us, they’re always on our side, my side. All the rest is rubbish. It doesn’t matter at all. I’m not lacking anything in life. God has given me everything, more than I ever expected. Age gives you maturity and experience. I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive. That’s how you grow as a person, it has made me stronger, and I thank you journalists for that, because of that I’ve grown even more. “You have to enjoy every day, like the last World Cup, which it will be, but hopefully, hopefully, tomorrow is not the last day. Hopefully. And then you can kill me a bit more.” Yet, his tone suggested a recognition that this moment may signal the conclusion of his storied career. He shared, “The day will come… whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience, not 100% but 1,000% because I have given everything to football.”
Ronaldo conveyed a sense of gratitude for his experiences, stating, “I’m not lacking anything in life. God has given me everything, more than I ever expected.” He acknowledged that age brings wisdom, expressing appreciation even for the challenges he has faced. “Age gives you maturity and experience… it has made me stronger, and I thank you journalists for that, because of that I’ve grown even more,” he remarked.
He concluded with a hopeful sentiment about the future, saying, “You have to enjoy every day, like the last World Cup, which it will be, but hopefully, hopefully, tomorrow is not the last day. Hopefully. And then you can kill me a bit more.”
