Cristiano Ronaldo says his sixth World Cup will be his last before Portugal faces Spain
The 41-year-old striker repeated his previous statement on the eve of a Round of 16 clash with border rival Spain in Arlington, Texas.
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Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Sunday that his sixth World Cup will be his last, reiterating a statement he made months earlier.
"I want to enjoy what will be my last World Cup to the fullest," Ronaldo said at a news conference in Arlington, Texas, on the eve of Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain. "Hopefully, tomorrow won't be my last match. That way, you can keep bashing me some more."
The 41-year-old striker made similar comments in a television interview late last year, after Portugal won the UEFA Nations League title in a penalty shootout over Spain. Many questions during a 25-minute session centred on assumptions this tournament would be his final appearance.
Ronaldo noted that he has been able to adjust to the nuances of aging as his career progresses. "What I have done throughout my career is to adjust to the nuances of age, knowing that I'm not the player I used to be," he said. "But one thing I can understand very clearly is nothing has changed because I can still score a goal."
Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2–1 victory over Croatia, in which Ronaldo had the tying goal. Three of his 11 career World Cup goals have come in this tournament. He has scored in 14 consecutive competitive matches internationally.
