Cristiano Ronaldo has branded speculation over his international future a 'waste of time' and insists Portugal's upcoming World Cup clash with Spain has his full focus. The legendary forward is representing his country at a record-equalling sixth World Cup this summer, having first competed at the global tournament in 2006.
Ronaldo's sister fuels retirement rumours
Fierce debate over Ronaldo's role in Roberto Martinez's team has provided an uncomfortable backdrop to Portugal's campaign, with his performances coming in for criticism from fans and pundits alike. But the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar has remained defiant throughout, labelling the reaction to his display versus DR Congo 'very harsh'.
Martinez is expected to ignore calls for Ronaldo to be dropped from Portugal's starting XI for tomorrow's eagerly anticipated round of 16 showdown in Dallas, though, and talk over the veteran attacker's future has largely been pushed to the side. However, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro fuelled rumours that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could soon be set to call it quits as she spoke to the Portuguese media prior to the side's dramatic last 16 victory over Croatia.
'We have to enjoy these moments. It's the last dance for two players [Ronaldo and Luka Modric], both for Croatia and for Portugal,' she said. 'The most important thing is to enjoy these 20-odd years that we've lived, won, and come so far.'
'I'm incredibly proud. I was in Qatar, I'm here. It's a tremendous pride. I'm confident and we'll smile at the end. Ronaldo is great and confident, less nervous than us. I felt a good energy and confidence. For us fans, it brings comfort. We can trust.'
Asked about the possibility of Ronaldo making it to Euro 2028, Aveiro replied: 'From the information I have, they can say goodbye. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's not today that they're saying goodbye, but it's soon. I believe this is their farewell.'
'Enjoy it a lot. It will be difficult to find someone like him. I'm talking about the national team. The information I have, from a reliable source, I believe this is his last dance.'
'For intelligent people, those who like football have to like Ronaldo. Those who don't like Ronaldo don't like football. They're the ones who lose out.'
'He's been tearing it up for over 20 years. Do they think we're not happy? Look where we are, the Aveiro family, and where we came from. We've achieved so much, considering where we came from… after the struggle we went through, what my brother went through, the achievements my mother had… do they think the criticism will interfere with our happiness? Never.'
Ronaldo responds: 'I'll finish when I want to'
The subject of retirement was put to Ronaldo as he faced the Portuguese press on the eve of the side's showdown with Spain – and the Al-Nassr striker's position on the matter was clear. 'I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the national team,' he replied. 'Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role.'
'I'll finish when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that. The most important thing is tomorrow.'
Ronaldo insists Portugal have 'prepared well' to give themselves the best possible chance of beating Spain and advancing through to the quarter-finals. 'If we didn't have the idea that we could win the World Cup, we wouldn't be here. It's been a beautiful experience,' he added.
'We've improved game by game. We know it's a competition where it's impossible to play well in every game, and it's not easy for anyone; just look at who's already been eliminated.'
'I see the team as calm; we've trained well, we've prepared well. Tomorrow we'll face a super difficult team, but we're ready.'
World Cup implications
The winner of Portugal's match against Spain will face off against one of Belgium or the USA, this year's co-hosts, for a place in the final four. The Portuguese have only reached the World Cup semi-finals twice in their history, in 1966 and 2006, and are eyeing a maiden final appearance this summer.
