World Cup defeat against Croatia could spell the end of Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career following comments from his sister
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has delivered a stunning revelation by claiming she believes he’ll hang up his boots for Portugal TONIGHT if they fall to Croatia at the World Cup. Ronaldo, 41, was included in Portugal’s starting XI for the last-32 showdown in Toronto.
And it might well prove to be his swan song on football’s grandest stage. Chatting to Portuguese broadcaster SportTV ahead of kick-off, Katia Aveiro disclosed: “From the information I have, they can say goodbye.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s not today that they’re saying goodbye, but it’s soon. I believe this is their farewell. Enjoy it a lot. It will be difficult to find someone like him.
“I’m talking about the national team. The information I have, from a reliable source, I believe this is his last dance. For intelligent people, those who like football have to like Ronaldo. Those who don’t like Ronaldo don’t like football. They’re the ones who lose out.
“He’s been tearing it up for over 20 years. Do they think we’re not happy? Look where we are, the Aveiro family, and where we came from.
“We’ve achieved so much, considering where we came from… after the struggle we went through, what my brother went through, the achievements my mother had… Do they think the criticism will interfere with our happiness? Never.”
Katia went on to acknowledge how it could also be Luka Modric’s final game for Croatia. Ronaldo played alongside the Croatian at Real Madrid for six trophy-laden years.
“We have to enjoy these moments. It’s the last dance for two players, both for Croatia and for Portugal,” she continued.
“The most important thing is to enjoy these 20-odd years that we’ve lived, won, and come so far. I’m incredibly proud. I was in Qatar, I’m here. It’s a tremendous pride.
“I’m confident and we’ll smile at the end. Ronaldo is great and confident, less nervous than us. I felt a good energy and confidence. For us fans, it brings comfort. We can trust.”
Ronaldo will skipper Portugal as they battle to secure a last 16 clash with Spain. Despite netting twice in three matches at this World Cup, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has faced criticism over his displays.
Both strikes came during Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of minnows Uzbekistan. Yet boss Roberto Martinez is sticking by Ronaldo, who’s desperate to break his duck in Canada.
Astonishingly, the former Manchester United superstar has never found the net or provided an assist in a World Cup knockout fixture. Portugal came second in Group K behind Colombia, drawing 0-0 with them in their latest outing.