On the eve of Portugal’s crucial World Cup play-off final against North Macedonia, Cristiano Ronaldo was perplexed that he was asked about international retirement.
The 37-year-old and the rest of his international teammates may have been expecting to face European champions Italy with a place in Qatar on the line.
But Fernando Santos’ Selecao will be looking to avoid a huge upset at the hands of the minnows and progress where the Azzurri failed.
Following the 3-1 win against Turkey, Ronaldo is one game away from booking his place at a record equalling fifth World Cup.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored seven times in football’s biggest tournament and he will be hoping his beloved Portugal book their place at this winter’s World Cup at the Estadio do Dragao tomorrow night.
In today’s press conference, FIFA’s all-time scorer stressed that the focus was on the team and he was seemingly perplexed that questions about retirement were put to him.
The great Portuguese said: “I’m already beginning to see the same question many times.
“I am the one who will decide my future, nobody else. If I feel like playing more, I’ll play. If not, I don’t play. I’m in charge, period.
“There is always pressure. We are all prepared. We really wanted to play in this final. If North Macedonia are here, it is because they deserve to be.
“No-one is more important than anyone else. We really want to take Portugal to the World Cup.”
With 115 international goals from 185 caps, United and Portugal’s number seven will no doubt be targeting his 808th career goal for club and country.
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