Ronaldo clashes with reporters - "You've been trying to bury me for 23 Years"

Cristiano Ronaldo has heard every obituary ever written for his career. Ahead of Portugal's FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash with Spain (10:00 p.m.), the 41-year-old made it clear that he still intends to prove his critics wrong, while also confirming that this tournament will indeed be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.

Speaking to reporters before Monday's knockout showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, just outside Dallas, Ronaldo was once again confronted with the same questions that have followed him throughout the tournament: the constant criticism surrounding his performances and whether this would be his last World Cup. Rather than avoiding the subject, he embraced it, teasing the journalists in the room and poking fun at the critics who have questioned him for more than two decades.

"For 23 years you critics have been trying to bury me, but by now you should know it doesn't work," Ronaldo said on Sunday when asked how he deals with the ongoing debate over his place in Portugal's starting lineup.

The Portuguese captain was responding in part to comments made after Portugal's opening draw with DR Congo, when former France international and Fox Sports pundit Thierry Henry argued that "the team needs to score goals, not for you to score the goals."

Ronaldo dismissed the outside noise, insisting that the Portuguese people remain firmly behind him. "The Portuguese are always on my side. Everything else is rubbish and worth nothing."

Portugal booked their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday. Ronaldo converted a penalty—his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal—before Goncalo Ramos headed home the winner deep into stoppage time. Their reward is a heavyweight clash with long-time rivals Spain, one of the tournament favorites.

For Ronaldo, now playing in his sixth and final World Cup, the mission remains the same: to win the only major trophy still missing from his remarkable collection.

If there was one topic that appeared to test his patience, it was the repeated insistence that this tournament represents the end of his journey. Time and again, reporters asked him to reflect on his legacy and confirm his retirement plans. Eventually, Ronaldo rejected the premise altogether.

"I'll stop, as I said a few years ago, when I decide to stop—not when you want me to. You guys don't want me to come back again, huh? That's what you want. I get it, I've heard you."

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also insisted that lifting the World Cup would not define who he is. "I won't become more Cristiano if I win the World Cup, and I won't become less Cristiano if I don't. Whether we win or lose on Monday, I'll leave here with a clear conscience. Not 100 percent—1,000 percent."

Ronaldo even thanked those who have criticized him throughout his career. "After turning 40, I realized—and hopefully I'll live another 40 years—that we grow the most from the harshest criticism. So thank you, guys, for continuing to do it, because in a way it keeps helping me grow."

When discussing Portugal's next opponent, however, Ronaldo adopted a far more diplomatic tone. He described Spain as perennial title contenders with exceptional talent and singled out 19-year-old Lamine Yamal for praise. "He's a player with a huge future," Ronaldo said before offering some advice to the teenager.

"There are difficult moments because we're all human. Even you journalists have days when you don't feel like getting up and going to work. In football, because we're constantly under the spotlight, it's sometimes even harder. But that's part of the job."

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 16

Saturday

Canada - Morocco 0-3 (0-0)

/Ounahi 50, 82, Rahimi 90+8/

Sunday

France - Paraguay 1-0 (0-0)

/Mbappe 70 pen/

Brazil - Norway 1-2 (0-0)

/Neymar 90+10 pen - Haaland 79, 90/

Monday

Mexico - England 2-3 (1-2)

/Quinones 42, Jimenez 69 pen - Bellingham 36,38, Kane 60 pen/

22.00: (3.80) Portugal (3.45) Spain (2.00)

Tuesday

03.00: (2.70) USA (3.40) Belgium (2.65)

19.00: (1.37) Argentina (4.70) Egypt (9.00)

23.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.25) Colombia (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***