Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament representing Portugal. The revelation came as the team prepared for their last-16 clash.
"It's about enjoying it as much as possible," Ronaldo said Sunday. "This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game."
Ronaldo, who has scored three goals in the current tournament, reflected on his career and the criticism he has faced.
"The day will come [when I retire from international football]," he continued. "But I'll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1,000%.
"Because I've given everything in football. I don't need it, I have a good life, but it's about passion."
He described the 2026 World Cup experience as "fantastic" and "emotionally, the best" due to the passion of the people.
Addressing criticism, Ronaldo stated, "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."
Ronaldo expressed gratitude for the attacks he has received, viewing them as a source of personal growth.
"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."