Cristiano Ronaldo retirement bombshell drops before Portugal’s World Cup clash

Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from international football at the end of the World Cup, according to his sister.

Katia Aveiro told reporters that this tournament will be Ronaldo’s ‘last dance’ ahead of Portugal’s last 32 clash.

AFP

A Selecao take on Croatia in the knockout stages of the competition on Thursday night, with the footballing icon starting.

But if the nation lose, then Ronaldo may well have played his last ever game for them if his sister is correct.

She 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.

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 145 goals to his name, 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.

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.

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Portugal vs Croatia: talkSPORT coverage

Ronaldo’s final Portugal game could come against Croatia on Thursday night, as they meet in Toronto, Canada.

talkSPORT will have live coverage of the game, with commentary coming from Mark Wilson and Luke Chambers.

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