Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I will end my career when I want to'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Interview
Named sources
Context piece
- Cristiano Ronaldo stated that he will decide when to end his football career, not journalists.
- The Portuguese star addressed criticism, saying people have been trying to end his career for 23 years.
- Ronaldo also commented on his age and performance, noting he still scores goals and is content with his career regardless of winning the World Cup.
Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo declared that he alone will determine the end of his illustrious career, pushing back against external pressures and media speculation. "I will end my career when I want to. Not when you journalists want," Ronaldo stated during a press conference ahead of Portugal's match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
I will end my career when I want to. Not when you journalists want.
The veteran forward addressed persistent criticism, asserting that attempts to undermine his career have been ongoing for 23 years. "They have been trying to end me for 23 years. In the end, they realized it was a waste of time. They try, they try, they keep trying," he remarked, highlighting his resilience.
They have been trying to end me for 23 years. In the end, they realized it was a waste of time. They try, they try, they keep trying.
Ronaldo also reflected on his age and performance, acknowledging he is 41 but emphasizing that his goal-scoring ability remains intact. "Yes, I've gotten older. I'm 41 and I'm not the same. But nothing has changed. I still score goals. I hope I score tomorrow. If I don't score, I hope one of my teammates does," he said.
Yes, I've gotten older. I'm 41 and I'm not the same. But nothing has changed. I still score goals. I hope I score tomorrow. If I don't score, I hope one of my teammates does.
He further commented on his World Cup aspirations, stating that winning the tournament would not significantly alter his career's standing. "If I win the World Cup, I won't be any higher; if I don't win it, I won't be any lower. Thankfully, I have no shortcomings. God has been very generous to me. Of course, we are here to win the cup, but in the end, only one team will win," Ronaldo explained. He also mentioned his current goal tally in the tournament and expressed confidence in his continued contribution to the team.
If I win the World Cup, I won't be any higher; if I don't win it, I won't be any lower. Thankfully, I have no shortcomings. God has been very generous to me. Of course, we are here to win the cup, but in the end, only one team will win.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
