Ronaldo admits he's not the player he used to be as Portugal debate rages on

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FT Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he's not the player he used to be, but insists the criticism he has received and continues to receive throughout his career motivates him whenever he steps out onto the pitch.

The Portuguese superstar is considered one of the greatest players in history and is the top scorer in the history of the Champions League, a four-time Champions League winner and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

He is remarkably still playing at the top international level at the World Cup at the age of 41 and has three goals to his name in the 2026 edition of the tournament in North America.

However, despite finding the back of the net on three occasions, Ronaldo has received criticism for his overall contributions to the team, with some fans believing Goncalo Ramos, who scored the vital injury-time winner versus Croatia in the Round of 32, to be a better option.

Ronaldo's earlier penalty in that match was just his first-ever goal in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

In the pre-match press conference for Portugal's Round of 16 tie against Spain, Ronaldo admitted: "I'm not the player I used to be".

However, he says he has been dealing with criticism his entire career and simply shrugs it off.

"You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it's a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try," the Al Nassr forward explained.

"As I said before, [I will stop] when I choose, not when you choose. You always ask the same question.

"This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game."

Ronaldo was applauded out of the press conference, but before he left he continued:

"I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup.

"I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40... the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience -- not 100% but 1,000% because in life and football I gave everything."

Portugal face Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Monday.