Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will have the final say over his future with Portugal amid growing speculation that the 2022 World Cup will be his last.
Ronaldo turned 37 in February, so he will be into his early 40s by the time the 2026 tournament - hosted in Canada, the United States of America and Mexico - rolls around. The veteran forward first represented Portugal as an 18-year-old in 2003 and has subsequently become his country's most-capped player and the top goalscorer in international football.
Ronaldo is aiming to make his fifth appearance at the World Cup finals in Qatar this winter but must first overcome North Macedonia in a play-off on Tuesday night. The Portugal captain addressed the media on Monday and simply declared he is "the one in charge" when faced with numerous questions over his international future.
"I'm starting to see that many of you ask the same question," Ronaldo said, per Portuguese newspaper Record. "I'm the one who will decide my future, nobody else. If I feel like playing more games, if I don't feel like it, I don't. I'm the one in charge, full stop." The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's comments echoed those he made to broadcaster RTP when he said he has "always decided" his next move.
"I live one day at a time, tomorrow only God knows," Ronaldo said. "I enjoy football and I still feel useful both at the club and at the national team. I will decide when I want, not when they understand fans, family or journalists. I have always decided my life and that is what I will continue to do." Portugal progressed to the final play-off round with a 3-1 victory over Turkey last Thursday, with Liverpool forward Diogo Jota on the scoresheet.
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North Macedonia, meanwhile, caused one of the greatest upsets in recent times by defeating Italy away from home to ensure the reigning European champions miss their second World Cup in a row. Although the spotlight is very much fixed on his future, Ronaldo stressed he will not underestimate North Macedonia and appealed to fans to get behind Portugal at Estadio do Dragao.
"For us, it's also the game of life," he added. "I want to thank the Portuguese for the unconditional support they gave throughout the game against Turkey. What I ask is that it is the same or even more, starting with the anthem. I would like the anthem to start, then stop and continue singing. If they are as they were on Thursday, I am sure we will win."
