Cristiano Ronaldo acknowledged on Sunday that he is not the player he once was, but he stood up to those who have been “trying to kill me for the past 23 years.”
On the eve of his final World Cup match against Spain at the Dallas Cowboys, the 41-year-old Portugal superstar was alternately optimistic, joyful, and sad.
The former Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid star, one of the greatest football players in history, would not indicate when his international career will come to an end.
Ronaldo conceded that “I am not the player I used to be”, in response to numerous questions about what lies ahead and the flak that has come his way in recent years.
However, the attacker and Portugal captain stated, “I am not doing too bad,” citing his three goals in North America: a penalty in the 2-1 victory over Croatia in the round of 32 and two goals against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 thrashing in the group round.
He told reporters that he enjoyed facing reporters who were curious about his future and the intense attention he was receiving: “It’s been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change. I always put body and soul trying to get our goals — playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play.
“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.”
Citing his “emotions” both on and off the field, Ronaldo declared that this was the World Cup that he had enjoyed the most.
Asked again about his international future, he shot back: “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, who is the leading scorer in the history of international football.
Ronaldo, who was clapped out of the press conference, added: “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 said.
“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 even picked out one reporter because “I know he does not like me” and dared him to ask a question.
“To speak to you, some of you, those who do not like us especially — I remember people’s faces very well,” he said grinning.
“Listen, I am going to be honest: 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.”
Ronaldo acknowledged that Portugal was the underdog in the Texas match against Spain, a nation he views as a second home after playing for Real Madrid.
“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,” he said.
