Ahead of Portugal's match against the Republic of Ireland, Cristiano Ronaldo attended a press conference and took questions.
Q: Some media have imagined a scenario—if the 2026 World Cup is your last, Portugal reach the final, and you score your 1000th goal to help Portugal win their first-ever World Cup title. Do you think that’s possible? If it happens, would you sign off on such an ending right now?
You’ve watched too many movies (laughs). But if that were the ending, it would be perfect. But let’s get back to reality. The numbers you mentioned do make me happy. The national team never relies on one person, but these stats are interesting and good.
Besides, I’ve already shared my thoughts on the World Cup and don’t want to repeat them. In any case, scoring goals is always good. I hope to play in the next World Cup; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. But everything must take step by step. If that "movie plot" you described happens—I’d be willing to end my career at that moment. It would be a perfect curtain call.
Q: Let’s talk about you. From the perspective of your career, what have you lost over the years, and what have you gained? Has scoring goals become easier or harder now?
In my mind, scoring has always been the most challenging part of football. What have I lost and gained? I think my strength is being able to adapt to the current football environment—whether it’s physical condition, mental state, being at a club or national team, or coping with the rhythm of different leagues, I adapt well. Smart players adapt to the environment, or they should.
I’ve always held this view and will stick to it until retirement. After all, football changes every year—five years ago, ten years ago, even just a year ago, it was different from now. So you have to read the game smartly and adapt. Of course, I’ve lost some things along the way, but I’ve also gained new experiences. That’s life. It’s the same for you journalists: you lose some things but grow in other ways. For me, the difference between great players and average ones is "the mind." If your mind is tough enough to face adversity, you’ll go further. That’s what I’ve always believed.
Q: What do you think about the atmosphere at Dublin Arena tomorrow?
I really like the fans here; their support for the national team is passionate. It’s a joy to play here again. I just hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow (laughs). I promise to be a "good player" as much as possible, but I also have to do my job—win the game, score, help the team. We know it’ll be tough, but we’re fully prepared.
Q: The Ireland manager mentioned referee issues before the game. What’s your take on that?
I think he’s trying to put pressure on the referee. He’s smart and knows where to push. I’ve been playing long enough to understand managers—they use various ways to distract or apply pressure. But it’s normal, because they know if they lose tomorrow, they’re out. So they’ll try to create influence off the pitch to survive.
But we have to be ready for a tough fight. I think it’ll be similar to the game in Lisbon—strong opponents with a chance to win. And we’re confident to play well and win.
Q: You might meet former Manchester United teammates tomorrow. Will you chat with them?
If I see them, definitely. I get along well with them, especially John O’Shea—we played together for years. Not just him, I have good personal relationships with some Irish players. Coming back here always feels good; the people are very friendly. Again, hope they don’t boo me too much tomorrow (laughs).
Q: Finally, how would you describe the challenge of tomorrow’s game?
We all know it’ll be extremely tough. They’ll give their all, and we will too. We know that getting points will seal World Cup qualification. Ireland still have a chance; they’ll fight till the end, and we must respect them. Playing against British teams is never easy—fan passion drives them on. But we’re fully prepared. The whole team understands how important this game is.
