Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed criticism on him as "a waste of time" and that it is actually spurning him on.
Ronaldo, 41, talked about the issue on the eve of Monday's World Cup last 16 game against European champions Spain after criticism had ranged from his age and fitness to reports that he wasn't wanted in the team.
Ronaldo said through an interpreter he has been under attack for 23 years "but I'm sure you've realised that it's not worth it. It's a waste of time. You keep trying it over and over and over and over again. It's not worth it."
He said he was even "grateful for the criticism" because "it's the harsh criticism that helps you grow the most. And I thank you, the journalists, for that, because it helps me grow even more."
Asked whether the Iberian duel could be his last World Cup match at his sixth participation, he said: "You don't want me to come back, is that what you want? I understand, I understand, I've heard you, I've heard you now."
Ronaldo, 41, talked about the issue on the eve of Monday's World Cup last 16 game against European champions Spain after criticism had ranged from his age and fitness to reports that he wasn't wanted in the team.
Ronaldo said through an interpreter he has been under attack for 23 years "but I'm sure you've realised that it's not worth it. It's a waste of time. You keep trying it over and over and over and over again. It's not worth it."
He said he was even "grateful for the criticism" because "it's the harsh criticism that helps you grow the most. And I thank you, the journalists, for that, because it helps me grow even more."
Asked whether the Iberian duel could be his last World Cup match at his sixth participation, he said: "You don't want me to come back, is that what you want? I understand, I understand, I've heard you, I've heard you now."
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