Cristiano addresses retirement claims ahead of Portugal's World Cup playoff vs. North Macedonia

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, North Macedonia, FIFA World Cup Qualifying

Will Qatar 2022 be the Portuguese legend's final FIFA World Cup tournament? Here's what the 37-year-old had to say.

Portugal are gearing up for a crucial FIFA World Cup playoff match, with the European giants set to lock horns with North Macedonia for a spot at Qatar 2022. All eyes will be on this tie as the upcoming tournament could be the last for Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic and greatest players to have graced the beautiful game.

But will Qatar 2022 truly be Cristiano's last major tournament with his national team? Speaking ahead of their playoffs final, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner looked to address claims that he will likely hang up his boots after this competition, issuing a fiery response to reporters.

The Manchester United superstar had one message and one message only: no one else but Cristiano will decide when he'll call it quits. Despite turning 37 earlier this year, the Portuguese icon did not entertain the thought of retiring, which will come as a great boost to his legion of supporters and football fans in general.

"I'm starting to see that many of you ask the same question," Ronaldo said, as per Portuguese outlet Record. "I'm the one who will decide my future, nobody else. If I feel like playing more games, if I don't feel like it, I don't. I'm the one in charge, full stop."

"I live one day at a time, tomorrow only God knows," Ronaldo later added. "I enjoy football and I still feel useful both at the club and at the national team. I will decide when I want, not when they understand fans, family or journalists. I have always decided my life and that is what I will continue to do."

Regardless of whether Qatar 2022 will be Cristiano's last FIFA World Cup or not, it would be a great shame not to see the icon on world football's biggest stage. He is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football history, meaning his presence would make the tournament far more interesting.

However, the Euro 2016 winners will be in for a tricky test. While North Macedonia would not have been given much chance under normal circumstances, their 1-0 victory over Italy in the previous round shows that they are not a nation to be underestimated. Only time will tell whether the European minnows will take down another continental powerhouse or not.