'You've been trying to kill me for 23 years' - should Ronaldo start?

Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the debate about his role in Portugal's World Cup last-16 tie against Spain, confirming this will be his last World Cup. The 41-year-old, who has three goals at the tournament, responded to criticisms by saying, "You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it." He stated he will stop "when I choose, not when you choose." Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot against Croatia before being substituted, a move that proved shrewd as substitute Goncalo Ramos sent Portugal through. Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in international football with 146 goals, has transformed Portuguese football. However, calls for him to take a lesser role are growing. Antonio Simoes, a member of Portugal's 1966 World Cup team, argued that Ronaldo "doesn't play to win, he plays to be the main figure." Ronaldo said he is not going to be more or less Cristiano Ronaldo whether he wins the World Cup and thanked critics for helping him grow, adding that he leaves with a clear conscience.