Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at his critics, saying that they have attempted to undermine him for years without success, as Portugal prepares to start its UEFA Nations League title defence against Wales in Lisbon on Friday.
The 41-year-old forward is back with the national team, following a Round of 16 exit to Spain at the recent FIFA World Cup.
Addressing the media regarding his continuous scrutiny, Ronaldo did not hold back, stating that the media has always tried to question that star forward throughout his career.
“I cannot always be 100 per cent honest; sometimes I have to be politically correct. There are channels that have been trying to “kill” me for years, but they do not stand a chance, not even with a shotgun. And even then I dodge the bullet. I am used to it, I have been doing this job for 20 years: I know who I am, I know why children see me as a role model, and there will always be critics.” Ronaldo said.
Cristiano Ronaldo targets 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo added that negativity does not affect him and he chooses to focus on the people who support him and want him to succeed.
“In any case, the fact that half a dozen people do not appreciate me does not affect me; I feel the affection of the Portuguese people. I am only thinking about the present… I know that many would like me to leave now, but my motivation comes from those who want to keep seeing me play,” he added.
Currently standing at 979 career goals for club and country, Ronaldo is confident about scoring a historic 1,000 goals, though he refuses to let it become an obsession.
“I will get to 1,000 goals. I will do it, but I am not making it an obsession; otherwise things never go the way we would like. I want to enjoy every day. I am sure I would not play all 90 minutes in these four matches. My objective is twofold: to reach 1,000 goals and win the Nations League. It is a new era,” he concluded.
