Cristiano Ronaldo was tight lipped on his international future after his sister claimed he would retire after the World Cup.
Katia Aveiro told reporters that this tournament will be Ronaldo’s ‘last dance’ ahead of Portugal’s round of 32 victory.
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A Selecao beat Croatia 2-1 in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, with the footballing icon starting and scoring.
The win meant that Ronaldo did not play his final game, continuing his international career at least for another few days.
But before the game, his sister told Sport TV: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon. The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his last dance.
“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.
“So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”
Aveiro added: “For intelligent people, those who like football, they have to like Ronaldo. They’re the ones who lose out.
“He’s been dominating for over 20 years. Look where we are, the Aveiro family… and where we come from. Look at the suffering my mother went through…
“Do you think the criticism is going to affect our happiness? Never!”
And reflecting on Ronaldo’s 23-year career playing for Portugal, she said: “The most important thing is to enjoy these 20-odd years we’ve shared. I’m incredibly proud.”
Ronaldo had already confirmed that this World Cup would be his last, but he hasn’t commented on potential international retirement.
What did Ronaldo say?
“It is not important now,” he said after picking up the man of the match award following their win over Croatia.
“I will have time to talk about that after winning or losing the tournament. I will talk to my family and then I will make the most appropriate decision.”
He added: “I no longer make decisions in the heat of the moment; now everything is done calmly. All that matters to me at the moment is enjoying the present and helping the national team.”
End of an era?
If this World Cup does spell the end for Ronaldo, then one of the most successful international careers ever will finish.
He is Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer with 146 goals to his name – adding one against Croatia – whilst also making the most appearances ever with 232.
In fact, no player in history has ever played more games for their country than Ronaldo, as he sits clear of Lionel Messi.
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The 41-year-old has also won three titles with his nation, including two Nations Leagues and the Euros in 2016.
Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and because of that, his manager Roberto Martinez thinks he could continue to represent his country.
However, his sister has appeared to reveal that he’ll be calling time on his international career this summer.
Career continues
Ronaldo’s final Portugal game could have come against Croatia on Thursday night, as they met in Toronto, Canada.
However, he scored in a comeback victory that was secured by Goncalo Ramos in the final moments of the game.
Ramos’ header came after Ronaldo scored a penalty to net for the first time in a World Cup knockout game, overturning a 1-0 deficit after Ivan Perisic’s goal.
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A Selecao will next take on Spain in the last 16 on Monday, with eSPORTY bringing you live commentary of the action.
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