Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged on Sunday that he isn't the player he was in his younger years, but he fired back at detractors who've dogged him throughout his career. The 41-year-old Portugal captain spoke ahead of his nation's last-16 clash with Spain at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, what he confirmed will be his final World Cup.
Ronaldo, who has played for Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid, stopped short of announcing when he'll retire from international football. Yet he conceded that his performances have changed with age, saying "I am not the player I used to be".
Still, the veteran insisted he's holding his own at the tournament in North America. He's scored three goals so far — two in Portugal's 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan and one penalty in the 2-1 win over Croatia.
When journalists pressed him repeatedly about his future, Ronaldo turned combative. "It's been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change," he told reporters, refusing to be drawn into speculation about his next steps.
He went on: "I always put body and soul trying to get our goals — playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play." The Portugal skipper made clear that he alone would decide when his international career ends, not the media.
Asked yet again about his retirement timeline, Ronaldo became pointed. "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," he said, his frustration evident.
The world's leading international goalscorer added: "I am so used to this." His words drew applause as he left the press conference.
Ronaldo reflected that winning or losing the World Cup wouldn't change who he is. "I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup," he stated.
He then turned philosophical about the criticism that has followed him into his 40s. "Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be," Ronaldo said, his tone shifting to introspection.
The attacker even thanked his critics for pushing him harder. "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," he said.
At one point, Ronaldo singled out a journalist he recognised. "I know he does not like me," he said with a grin, inviting the reporter to ask a question anyway.
He wrapped up his remarks with a confident declaration. "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," he said.
