Relaxed Ronaldo Says This World Cup Is His Last

Cristiano Ronaldo told reporters on Sunday that this World Cup will be his last. The 41-year-old soccer superstar is playing at his record sixth World Cup with Portugal. He made the announcement before Portugal's round-of-16 match against Spain in Dallas on Monday. Ronaldo said he has no regrets and feels proud of his long career.

At first, Ronaldo would not say directly whether this was his final World Cup. He reminded reporters that he would be 45 years old by the time the next World Cup is played in 2030. But by the end of the press conference, he was more open. 'Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match,' he said, leaving the room to applause from the journalists there.

Ronaldo spoke calmly and honestly about his career and what football means to him. He said he plays because he loves the sport, not because he needs the money. '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,' he said. He also said he would not put too much pressure on himself for the game against Spain.

Ronaldo said he has enjoyed this tournament more than any of his five previous World Cups. He has scored three goals so far and believes Portugal is playing better with each match. He said his team is calm, well-prepared, and confident heading into the Spain match. 'If we didn't have this belief we wouldn't be here,' he said.

Spain is a team Ronaldo knows well, having spent nine seasons playing there for Real Madrid. Portugal's neighbor is one of the best teams in the world and has already won the World Cup before. 'Spain is the favourite,' Ronaldo admitted, 'but this is a different competition with different players.' Still, Ronaldo said he likes playing against Spain and feels the match will be decided by small details. 'I have this feeling we are going to win,' he said.