Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered a powerful and defiant response to his critics, asserting that repeated attempts to undermine his career over the past 23 years have proven futile. “For 23 years, people have tried to destroy and harm me, but in the end, I remain who I am. They are wasting their time because they cannot do anything to me,” stated the veteran forward. Despite acknowledging that he may no longer possess the same peak physical prowess, the 41-year-old superstar emphasized that his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a deeply personal battle against the persistent criticism he has faced throughout his illustrious career.
These strong remarks were made during a pre-match press conference held in anticipation of Portugal’s crucial Round of 16 encounter against Spain, scheduled for July 6th. During the media session, Ronaldo addressed numerous questions, including a significant one regarding whether the 2026 World Cup would indeed mark his final appearance on the international stage.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward specifically engaged with Brazilian journalist Marcelo Bechler, who Ronaldo believes has consistently displayed an unfavorable disposition towards him and has pursued probing questions over several years. Bechler challenged Ronaldo, asking about the most significant difficulty he faces in the 2026 World Cup, considering his age of 41.
Ronaldo’s response was direct and unreserved. He stated, “I want to compete with that man; ask me good questions. I know you don’t like me. The hardest thing is to talk to everyone, especially those who don’t like me, and you, Bechler, are one of them, I know it well.” He continued with a resolute declaration: “Listen carefully, honestly, no matter what happens tomorrow, Ronaldo will walk away with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%, because in life and football, I have sacrificed everything.”
The conversation subsequently shifted to Ronaldo’s future with the national team, particularly his anticipated final appearance at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese icon reiterated his firm belief that his detractors have attempted to sabotage his career for over two decades. “For 23 years, people have tried to destroy and harm me, but in the end, I remain who I am. They are wasting their time because they cannot do anything to me. But they tried, and they keep trying. I am fed up with all of this,” Ronaldo declared, underscoring his unwavering resilience.
He explicitly confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would indeed be his last major international tournament. He also urged journalists to appreciate his contributions and continued presence in the sport, suggesting they should focus on enjoying good football rather than perpetuating relentless criticism. Regarding his retirement from professional football, the Al Nassr forward firmly stated that he would hang up his boots entirely on his own terms, not due to external pressure or the wishes of journalists.
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture, Ronaldo described the match against Spain as a highly intense encounter. He assured that Portugal would approach the game with the utmost determination and commitment in their bid to secure a spot in the next round of the tournament.
