Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that this year’s World Cup will be his last.
He made the announcement as Portugal prepares for their round of 16 match against Spain in Dallas on Monday.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo has played in six World Cups, becoming the first and only player to score in all six.
He has also made it clear that he will not play in the 2030 World Cup, which is co-hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match against Spain, Ronaldo said:
“This will be my last World Cup. But I hope tomorrow will not be my last.”
Ronaldo has scored three goals so far in this World Cup, two of which came against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia.
This is also his first goal in the knockout stages of a World Cup.
However, he did not mention a date for his retirement from football, only saying that he would not play in a World Cup again.
Ronaldo, who further commented on his long football career and facing criticism, stated that he plays football because of his passion and love for the game, and that no matter what happens tomorrow, he will leave with a clear mind because he has given his best for the game.
Also, commenting on his opponent in Monday’s match, Spain’s Lamine Yamal, he said that although Yamal is a player with a very bright future, he always sees the Spanish team as a team full of talent as a whole.
He further said that the secret to a long career is to not be swayed by criticism and focus only on the fans who love you and the work you do.
Sinhala 
English