3 min learnUp to date: Jul 3, 2026 10:21 AM IST
Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed his sister Katia Aveiro’s claims that he would possibly retire from worldwide soccer after the 2026 World Cup, stating he received’t determine till Portugal’s match run is over.
Talking forward of Portugal’s stiff Spherical of 32 conflict towards Croatia, Katia appeared on Portuguese media outlet Sport TV and stated: “Take pleasure in it whereas it lasts. It’s ending quickly.”
Changing from a vital 68th-minute penalty that helped Portugal draw degree with Croatia in Toronto earlier than Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage-time winner powered them by to the knockout, Ronaldo stated the retirement determination can maintain a number of days.
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“It isn’t necessary now,” Ronaldo is alleged to have instructed reporters after choosing up the Superior Participant of the Match award. “I’ll have time to speak about that after successful or shedding the match; I’ll speak to my household, after which I’ll take advantage of applicable determination.”
Vencemos por nós, pelo Diogo e por Portugal!!! VAMOS!!!! pic.twitter.com/pOOm7XRlCY
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2026
He added: “I now not make choices within the warmth of the second; now all the things is completed calmly. All that issues to me in the meanwhile is having fun with the current and serving to the nationwide workforce,” the 41-year-old stated after scoring his first World Cup knockout objective from the penalty spot.
AS IT HAPPENED: Portugal vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights
“The information I’ve, from a dependable supply… that is his final dance,” Katia revealed whereas talking about Ronaldo’s retirement on Sport TV.
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“I consider it’s not at this time that they’ll say goodbye, however it’s coming quickly. I strongly consider that is the farewell.
“So get pleasure from it loads as a result of it is going to be tough to seek out somebody after 200 targets. I’m speaking concerning the Portuguese nationwide workforce,” she stated.
Ronaldo raised his worldwide targets tally to 146 in 232 matches along with his maiden World Cup knockout objective. It was additionally the third of his ongoing World Cup marketing campaign, after having struck a brace towards Uzbekistan within the group levels. Emotional on the remaining whistle, Ronaldo additionally paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota, who handed away on today final 12 months.
“The coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable,” Ronaldo instructed Fox Sports activities. “We knew it earlier than the sport. It was a so particular second. We communicate at this time, our group, about that, the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable.”