Portugal star striker Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at reporters over repeated questions about his retirement on the eve of his side’sFIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Spain.
Speaking to the media, Ronaldo admitted he was no longer the player he once was but insisted he was still making a valuable contribution to the team.
“I am not doing too bad. I always put body and soul trying to get our goals, playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play,” he said.
Responding to another question about his future, the Al-Nassr striker said it was his decision, not theirs.
“As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose; you always ask the same question,” he said.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The all-time leading scorer in international football appeared frustrated after being asked once again about his retirement.
The leading goalscorer in international football appeared to lose his cool after being asked once against about his retirement.
“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.
The 41-year-old added that winning or not winning the World Cup would not define his legacy.
Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!
“I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup. Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be.”
He also said criticism had helped him grow since turning 40.
“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.
On the encounter in Texas with Spain, a country he considers a second home after playing for Real Madrid, Ronaldo conceded Portugal were underdogs.
“It’s going to be a very hard battle. We need a lot of faith, we need to run and we need to be brave,” Ronaldo concluded.