Cristiano Ronaldo stressed he will leave football with no regrets but stopped short of confirming whether the current World Cup will be his last, ahead of Portugal's last-16 clash with neighbours Spain in Dallas on Monday.
The 41-year-old is playing in a record sixth World Cup and, although many expect him to retire from international football before the next edition, he insisted the decision will be made entirely on his own terms.
'I'll retire when I choose'
"I will finish when I choose. You always ask the same question: Is this the last one? We will see. I don't want to draw attention to this. The most important thing is to play well tomorrow," Ronaldo told reporters on Sunday.
"I'm going to be perfectly honest: regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to leave with a clear conscience.
"I have given everything I could to football. It's my passion to play for so many years. I didn't do it out of need; I'm doing well in life. It's about passion. I play for the national team because I love football.
"Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I'm not going to put pressure on myself that I have to win."
'I'm enjoying this World Cup'
Ronaldo said players must enjoy every match at a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup and believes he has performed well despite inevitable comparisons with other stars.
"You have to enjoy every match at a huge competition like the World Cup. I don't think I'm doing so badly. I've scored three goals. Others have done better, but I think I've done well."
The Portugal captain also admitted he has enjoyed this World Cup more than any of his previous five appearances.
Confident Portugal can beat Spain
A relaxed Ronaldo expressed confidence that Roberto Martinez's side can overcome Spain, who have grown stronger as the tournament has progressed.
"If we didn't have this belief, we wouldn't be here," he said.
"It's been a beautiful experience. We're getting better with every match.
"We know this is a tough competition, and it's impossible to always perform at your best. Some very good teams have already been eliminated, and that says everything.
"The team is in a good place, calm and well prepared. We're going to face a difficult opponent, but I think we'll be ready."
Facing a familiar rival
If Ronaldo plays against Spain, it will mark his 233rd appearance for Portugal. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward knows Spanish football well after spending nine seasons in Madrid.
However, he has scored only four goals against Spain, including his memorable hat-trick in the thrilling 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup.
'I have a feeling we're going to win'
"Spain is always among the favourites to win the Euros, the Nations League and the World Cup. They have already won major tournaments.
"Spain are the favourites. They have more titles than Portugal, but this is a different competition with different players. There are injuries, and there's the heat.
"I enjoy playing against Spain. My record is quite good. I've faced them 10 or 11 times, and it's been very balanced.
"It will be decided by small details. I have a feeling we're going to win."
'If it's my last World Cup, I'll enjoy it'
Ronaldo concluded by saying that, if this does turn out to be his final World Cup, he intends to savour every moment.
"What I have to do is enjoy it if it's my last World Cup. But it won't be my last World Cup match because I want to keep going."
