Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has effectively shit down questions on his international future ahead of their final playoff game against North Macedonia for a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Portugal beat Turkey 3-1 to progress to the next round of the qualifiers, where many expected them to meet Italy. However, they will be facing North Macedonia, who caused an upset by beating the Azzurri 1-0 to set up a match with Portugal instead.
Ronaldo had no goal contributions in the game and showed signs of slowing down as he has done in many games this season. He, however, continues to be Portugal’s key man and their on-pitch leader.
Speaking to Portuguese media ahead of the game against North Macedonia on Tuesday to determine who goes through to the World Cup, Ronaldo was asked if he would consider his international future after the 2022 World Cup if they make it, or after the qualifiers if they don’t.
The 37-year-old replied, “I’m beginning to see that many of you ask the same question. Who will decide my future is me, nobody else. If I feel like playing more games, if I don’t feel like I don’t play. I’m the boss, period.
“I live one day at a time, tomorrow only God knows. I enjoy football and I still feel useful both at the club and at the national team. I will decide when I want, not when they understand fans, family or journalists. I have always decided my life and that is what I will continue to do.”
Porto plotting move for Ronaldo at the end of the season
It is also understood that Ronaldo is feeling disenfranchised with Manchester United at the moment, where he leads the goalscoring charts with 18 goals in 33 matches so far.
His problems at the club have been reported to be as a result of the manager selection process as well as the on field personnel who he is made to play with.
Many of those reports suggest that the former Juventus forward could be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season, and reports from Portugal claim that FC Porto are plotting a sensational move to bring the superstar back to Portugal.
Ronaldo, who started his career at Sporting Lisbon, Porto’s biggest rivals in Portuguese football, is also reported to be interested in returning to Portugal to compete for honours in his home country, as he never got the chance to do so before moving abroad.
Porto believe the door has opened for Ronaldo to make a ‘romantic return’ to his homeland this summer following his issues at United, and will make a move if they find the slightest opportunity.
