Cristiano Ronaldo played his final match at a World Cup, losing 0-1 to Spain, and following the knockout, he offered his initial reactions on various significant topics, including the records that seem to pursue him.
During a mixed zone interview, Ronaldo stated, “Tomorrow I will wake up just like today: with a clear conscience. I have played 23 years for the national team and won three titles. Before me, Portugal had not won anything. The European Championship was the most important. For me, 2016 holds the same significance as a World Cup, honestly.”
When directly asked about his potential retirement from the national team, he declined to make a firm decision, saying, “I am not making any hasty decisions. Right now, it is not important whether I will continue or not.” However, it is clear that Ronaldo will not participate in another World Cup, a fact he confirmed during this edition.
“Records Follow Me”
Ronaldo emphasized, “The most important thing for me is to always help the national team. I am 100% professional, dedicating my life to this sport. I love football; it is my passion. I never believed I would have such a long career. Before facing records, I never thought about them. I do not chase records; records chase me.”
He also noted his three trophies with Portugal, including Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles: “When I joined the national team, I had not yet won anything, and in 20 years, I have won three titles. I continue to dream of winning more.”
Ronaldo’s Future in Football
Ronaldo is not retiring from football just yet and aims to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals: “I would love to play for a few more years; we’ll see. Retiring at the top would be a good way to end my career. But football is so dynamic that we do not know what will happen. I am proud to have been the captain of the Portugal national team.”
When asked how he maintains his high level of play, he remarked, “It is quite difficult (laughs). Maintaining longevity is a process that brings me joy, working in the same profession for 20 years and doing it at the highest level. Over time, I have learned that, regardless of age, performance matters, and I have managed to achieve this with much effort and hard work.”
“I have always loved what I do; it is my passion, and I have always worked for it. We are seeing more older players at Euro, reflecting longevity in today’s football. The more we play in the future, the better. If someone had told me twenty years ago that I would continue at this age, I would have said it was impossible. But hard work speaks for itself,” he concluded.
“I greatly enjoyed working with Mr. Roberto Martinez. He is an extraordinary man and an excellent coach. He won a title for Portugal, and I will never forget that. I am very grateful for what he gave to Portugal. Jorge Jesus? It’s not the time to discuss who comes next, and it’s not my place to do so. Those responsible for the selection will decide,” Ronaldo stated regarding Roberto Martinez.
