Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo answers journalists during a press conference at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 5, 2026, on the eve of the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he still has plenty to offer Portugal, admitting he is no longer the player he once was but declaring, “I am not doing too bad,” after helping his country reach the World Cup Round of 16 with three goals.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s clash with Spain, the 41-year-old captain refused to discuss retirement, saying, “As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose; you always ask the same question.”
Ronaldo stressed that whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will always give everything for Portugal and remain an important part of the team.
He also described the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament he has enjoyed the most because of the emotions both on and off the pitch.
Responding to years of criticism, Ronaldo told journalists, “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.”
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star added that criticism has made him stronger, saying, “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.”
Ronaldo also jokingly invited a reporter he believed disliked him to ask a question, saying he never forgets faces and was happy to answer anyone.
He ended by declaring, “Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience — not 100 per cent but 1,000 per cent because in life and football I gave everything.”
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