Ronaldo breaks silence on retirement after sister’s World Cup claim | Football | Sport
Portugal edged past Croatia thanks to a late strike from Goncalo Ramos, after their rivals were denied an even later leveller from Josko Gvardiol, whose effort was chalked off by VAR. Ronaldo could only observe from the bench, having been withdrawn, but participated in emotional celebrations by honouring Diogo Jota.
Following the match, focus swiftly shifted to his future. It is not something the 41-year-old is preoccupied with currently as his side now gears up to face Spain.
“It is not important now,” he said after collecting the Superior Player of the Match award, reports Goal. “I will have time to talk about that after winning or losing the tournament; I will talk to my family and then I will make the most appropriate decision.”
He added: “I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment; now everything is done calmly. All that matters to me at the moment is enjoying the present and helping the national team.”
Ronaldo did have a few words for his former team-mate Luka Modric. With Croatia’s exit the veteran midfielder has likely played his final World Cup match. “Yes, I said goodbye to him,” Ronaldo said.
“He remains a legend in the world of football, and we are close in age. I have great respect for Modrić for what he represents in the world of football.”
Prior to Portugal’s encounter against Croatia, Ronaldo’s sister, Katie Aveiro, suggested it could be the end of the former Real Madrid star’s international career. “From the information I have, they can say goodbye,” Aveiro told Portuguese broadcaster SportTV ahead of kick-off.
“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.”
