Cristiano Ronaldo opens about retirement, criticism, and more ahead of Portugal vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a crucial penalty during Portugal’s round of 32 clash against Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has become the nation’s all-time highest scorer in history.

While he has scored three goals in the competition so far, his performance has consistently been under scrutiny from fans. While Portugal failed to top their group in the group stage, the 41-year-old has often looked out of place under Roberto Martinez’s system.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to answer all the questions about his current form and future at a recent pre-match conference in Arlington.

Also Read: Top five breakout youngsters of FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Ayyoub Bouaddi

Cristiano Ronaldo talks about retirement, criticism, and more ahead of Portugal vs Spain

During the pre-match press conference, the Portuguese attacker urged an end to speculation about his retirement. He claimed he would retire as planned when he felt the need. In the last few months, especially since the FIFA World Cup commenced, the conversation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s professional retirement has been a topic of discussion. He said:

“I will retire when I want, not when you want. Whether I play or I stay on the bench, the influence will not change.”

Cristiano Ronaldo addresses the criticism he has received for being a starter under Roberto Martinez.

“People question me starting at 41? It’s been 23 years with people trying to kill me… But they know now they’re wasting their time. “They try, try, try… but it’s not worth it.” “I am used to that.”

Commenting on his performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, the 41-year-old insisted on not being in his worst form, as he has already scored three goals in four matches and is looking forward to netting more strikes in the upcoming days. He added:

“I don’t think I’ve been doing that bad… I’ve scored 3 goals!. Others have scored more but because they are doing very well. They feel very good. But let’s see if I can score tomorrow.”

“I might not be the same player as I was, but I can still score goals and I hope I can score goals tomorrow. And if I don’t, then I hope someone else does. Because the mission is to reach the next round, it’s not about me scoring goals.” he added.

After giving solid answers to all the questions in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Seleção das Quinas’s round of 16 clash against La Roja, Ronaldo confirmed that the ongoing World Cup is his last. He concluded:

“Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it”.

Nevertheless, he also made sure to show gratitude to his fans and supporters. He added:

“I value those fans that simply LOVE me and the team, without thinking about the others. I thank them for the support”.

“What matters is the people that support me and that support the team, I will remember these fans. The rest I don’t care, it’s garbage.” he concluded.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.