Portugal face Croatia in a bid to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister claims a loss would spell the end of his international career.
Tonight could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance (Image: Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has made a bombshell statement, saying she believes Cristiano Ronaldo will retire from international football tonight if Portugal lose to Croatia at the World Cup. Ronaldo, 41, has been named in the starting XI for the Round of 32 match against Portugal in Toronto.
And it may be his last appearance on the biggest stage. Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster SportTV before kick-off, Katia Aveiro said: “According to the information I have, they will be able to say goodbye.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s not today that they say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I believe this is their goodbye. Have lots of fun. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone like him.”
“I’m talking about the national team. According to the information I get from reliable sources, I think this is his last dance. For intelligent people, people who like football have to like Ronaldo. People who don’t like Ronaldo don’t like football. They are the ones who lose out.”
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“He’s been tearing it up for over 20 years. Do they think we’re not happy? Look at where we are, the Aveiro family, and where we’ve come from.
“When you think about where we come from, we’ve accomplished so much…Given the struggles we’ve gone through, what my brother went through, what my mother accomplished…Do they think criticism will get in the way of our happiness? Absolutely not.”
Katia also admitted that this could be Luka Modric’s last match for Croatia, having played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid for six trophy-winning years. “We have to enjoy this moment. For Croatia and Portugal, this is the last dance for both players,” she continued.
Which will pass through Portugal or Croatia? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.
Katia Aveiro interview (Image: TVI)
“The most important thing is that we live, win and enjoy the last 20-odd years that have brought us here. I’m very proud. I was in Qatar and I’m here. It’s a tremendous pride.”
“I’m confident and I’ll be smiling at the end. Ronaldo is nice and confident and less nervous than us. I felt good energy and confidence. For us fans, it brings a sense of security. We can be trusted.”
Ronaldo will captain the Portugal national team, which will compete against Spain in the last 16. Despite scoring two goals in three games at this World Cup, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has been criticized for his performances.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup finals tournament (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
His two goals came in Portugal’s 5-0 win over weaker Uzbekistan. But coach Roberto Martinez continues to have faith in Ronaldo, who is trying to end his cheating streak in Canada.
Remarkably, the former Manchester United megastar has never scored a goal or provided an assist in a World Cup final. Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia, who drew 0-0 in their last match.
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