"The one who will decide my future will be me. If I feel like playing more, I will. I’m the boss, period."
It was with a tone of irritation that Cristiano Ronaldo slammed talks of his retirement from the Portuguese national team ahead of his nation's crucial playoff final against North Macedonia.
The two European countries face off Tuesday night with the winner sealing a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Ronaldo was asked if it would be his last World Cup if Portugal qualifies, and the 37-year-old did not take to the question kindly.
"I'm starting to be asked the same question," he said before insisting that he decides his own future.
Euro 2016 winners Portugal have qualified for the last five World Cup finals, while North Macedonia's first major tournament in their 27-year history was last year's Euro 2020.
"Tomorrow is a final and we are ready. Favourites? I always consider myself favourite, whether [playing] at home or away."
If Ronaldo and his side make it to Qatar, he will become only the fourth man in history to play in five World Cups.
European champions Italy were stunned by North Macedonia, who knocked them out of the World Cup qualification in the previous round, but Ronaldo says there will be no more surprises, hinting that he believes Portugal will go through.
"Macedonia surprised everyone but they will not surprise us," he said.
