Ronaldo: A couple of rats will not force me to retire

Published September 12th, 2024 - 01:30 GMT
Portugal’s forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates victory at the end of the UEFA Nations League football match, group A, between Portugal and Scotlandat Luz stadium in Lisbon on September 8, 2024. Portugal won for 2-1. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)
Portugal’s forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates victory at the end of the UEFA Nations League football match, group A, between Portugal and Scotlandat Luz stadium in Lisbon on September 8, 2024. Portugal won for 2-1. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo responded to those who criticized him following his failure to score for Portugal in Euro 2024 by calling them "rats".

The 39-year-old's failure sparked criticism over his age and lack of pace.

However, the Real Madrid icon responded in an interview with Rio Ferdinand, by saying: "People always take the worst part, not always the good part, but I'm not going to finish my career because two rats criticize me.

"The world loves me, the fans love me. This is my motivation to carry on playing football. People love me.

"No one is going to take my shine away because two people from TV that nobody knows criticize me."

Ronaldo recently scored his 901st career goal, and is aiming to reach 1000 before hanging up his boots.

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