Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an emotional and defiant message ahead of Portugal’s World Cup Round of 16 match-up in Spain as he insisted he has nothing left to prove despite having already admitted he is not the player he was.
While speaking to reporters before what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup appearance, the 41-year-old Portugal captain reflected on his remarkable career and said he would respond to years of criticism in his career.
"I am not the player I used to be,” Ronaldo admitted. “But I am not doing too bad.”
The veteran forward highlighted all his performances in the tournament as proof that he still contributes at the top level. Ronaldo has already scored three goals at the World Cup, including a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the group stage, and a penalty in the 2-1 win over Croatia that secured Portugal’s place in the Round of 16.
On the face of things, Ronaldo also made the point that he is only going to decide when his international career comes to an end, if that is when he decides to leave his career.
"I always put body and soul into trying to achieve our goals. I will always have an important role to play whether I play or not," he said.
"As I said before, I will stop when I choose, not when you choose. You always ask the same question. I don’t want to draw attention to this because it is less important."
Ronaldo also criticized critics — and the media as a whole— who have questioned his longevity and relevance over the past 20 years.
"You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that it is not worth it. It’s a waste of time, but you try and try and try," he said with a smile.
"I am so used to this."
As a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he said criticism has only strengthened his resolve, especially since turning 40.
"I even say thank you for the attacks I receive after I turned 40. Criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this."
In one light-hearted moment, Ronaldo singled out a journalist who he jokingly claimed had never liked him, inviting the reporter to ask a question.
"I remember people’s faces very well," Ronaldo said, grinning. “To speak to you, especially those who do not like us."
The Portugal skipper also said his legacy does not depend on whether he wins the World Cup trophy.
"I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup," he said.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will leave tomorrow with a clear conscience—not 100 percent but 1,000 percent—because in life and football I gave everything."
Looking ahead to Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas, Ronaldo admitted the magnitude of the challenge. He has been in Real Madrid for nine years and Spain is a country that has a special place in his heart but it is clear he knows that Portugal will go into the game as underdogs.
"It's going to be a very hard battle," Ronaldo said.
"We need a lot of faith, we need to run and we need to be brave."
Portugal will now look to their legendary captain for inspiration once again as they attempt to overcome one of the tournament favourites and keep Ronaldo's dream of winning a first FIFA World Cup alive in what could be the last chapter of his extraordinary international career.
