Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has played down speculation that this year's World Cup in Qatar could be his last.
The 37-year-old has made the admission ahead of Portugal facing North Macedonia in their winner-takes-all play-off final on Tuesday evening. Portugal booked their place in the Path C final after beating Turkey 3-1 on Thursday evening, courtesy of goals from Otavio, Diogo Jota and Matheus Nunes.
They were expected to face Italy in the final but the reigning European champions were stunned by North Macedonia, losing 1-0 — meaning they have missed out on qualifying for their second consecutive World Cup. It means that Portugal are strong favourites to get over their final hurdle in their quest to reach Qatar and join the likes of England, France and Spain in competing for football's greatest prize later this year.
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For Ronaldo, who has scored 18 goals for United this season, it could represent his last chance to play at a World Cup and lay his hands on the trophy for the very first time. However, despite recently turning 37, the Portugal captain has refused to suggest that this will be his last dance at football's showpiece event, should the 2016 European Championship winners beat North Macedonia.
"I'm starting to see that many of you ask the same question," Ronaldo told 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."
Although Portugal cannot afford to underestimate North Macedonia following their shock victory over Italy, they will have home advantage on their side. The contest is to be staged at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto and Ronaldo is hoping that the home crowd will play its part.
He added: "For us, it's also a game of our lives. I'm already making an appeal to the Portuguese people.
"I appreciate the demonstration of unconditional support, what I ask for tomorrow is the same. Yesterday [Sunday], when I went to bed, I thought: 'I would like the anthem to start and turn off the music and if we all sang without music'.
"I'm sure that if they're with us like on Thursday we'll win the game."
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