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Live: Ronaldo confirms last World Cup as Portugal meets Spain

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that this World Cup will be his last, stating he leaves with no regrets.
  • He expressed his passion for football and his commitment to playing on his own terms.
  • Portugal is set to face Spain in the Round of 16, with Ronaldo acknowledging Spain as the favorite but expressing confidence in his team.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup marks his final appearance in the tournament, declaring he will step away with no regrets. The veteran forward, playing in a record sixth World Cup at the age of 41, made the announcement ahead of Portugal's crucial Round of 16 match against Spain.

Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match

— Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo's confirmation that the current tournament is his final World Cup.

During a press conference, Ronaldo emphasized his enduring passion for the sport and his intention to conclude his illustrious career on his own terms. "Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match," he told reporters, receiving a round of applause. He had previously been non-committal about his future in the tournament, stating, "I will finish when I choose. You always ask the same question: is this the last one? We will see."

I will finish when I choose. You always ask the same question: is this the last one? We will see.

— Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo's earlier response about his World Cup future before the confirmation.

Ronaldo stressed his clear conscience regarding his contributions to football. "Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1000 percent leaving with a clear conscience. I have given all I could to football, it's my passion to play for so many years. I didn't do it out of need, I'm doing well out of life. It's about passion. I play for the national team and I love to play football," he said.

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1000 percent leaving with a clear conscience. I have given all I could to football, it's my passion to play for so many years.

— Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo expressing his satisfaction with his career and commitment to the sport.

Looking ahead to the match against Spain, Ronaldo acknowledged their status as favorites but maintained confidence in Portugal's ability to compete. "If we didn't have this belief we wouldn't be here," he stated. "It's been a beautiful experience, we're getting better in every match. We know this is a tough competition and it's impossible to always do well." He added, "We're going to face a difficult team but I think we will be prepared." Ronaldo will be making his 233rd appearance for Portugal in the game against Spain, a nation with which he has a significant history after playing nine seasons for Real Madrid.

If we didn't have this belief we wouldn't be here. ... We're going to face a difficult team but I think we will be prepared.

— Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo discussing Portugal's confidence and preparation to face Spain.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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