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Cristiano Ronaldo put on a show and settled scores in front of a sea of media gathered at Dallas Stadium ahead of the World Cup round of 16 against Spain. The five-Ballon d’Or striker, who now plays for Al-Nasr (Saudi Arabia), slammed media “criticism” but brushed off any questions about ending his international career.
“Like I said, (I will stop) when I decide, not when you decide, you will still ask the same question.”evacuated the captain of the Portuguese national team in a crowded stadium at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. “I don’t want to focus on this, because it is less important (than the match with Spain, editor’s note)”developed by Cristiano Ronaldo. “This is my last World Cup (…) I thank God for my life”still launched the star of the Portuguese selection.
I’m not the same player I used to be, but I’m not that bad
The centre-forward, who has scored 146 goals in 232 appearances (two records in men’s international football), is playing in his sixth World Cup. But his place in the starting XI has been the subject of constant debate due to his performance, which is sometimes considered insufficient. “I’m not the same player I used to be”of course, but “I’m not that bad, I scored three goals” During this World Cup he slipped. “What I have done throughout my career has been constantly adapted over the centuries.”.
Ronaldo focused more on what he felt was unfair criticism he attributed to the media. “I even say “thank you” for the attacks I experienced after my 40th birthday. Criticism is what makes you grow the most, so thank you journalists, you made me grow even more.”he said. What is the most difficult thing at the sixth World Championships? “To talk to you, to some of you, to those who don’t like me. I remember the faces of some of them very well.”– he said to an audience of media from around the world.
You tried to kill me… you must have seen that it wasn’t worth it.
“You’ve been trying to kill me for the last 23 years, but you must have realized that it’s not worth it, that it’s a waste of time, but you keep trying and trying.”– added “CR7”, who played his first match in 2003 with Portugal. Winning the World Championship, one of the rare competitions he has never won, will not fundamentally change his outlook on his career.
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“I will not be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less Cristiano Ronaldo, whether I win the World Cup or not. Age gives maturity, experience, understanding of the relativity of things.”he said. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player left the hall to the applause of many journalists.