Professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly confirmed that the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be his last, while also addressing criticism directed at him in recent times.

According to The New York Times, as reported via GoogleNewsEN, Ronaldo expressed gratitude towards his detractors and stated that negative commentary has contributed to his personal and professional development. He is reported to have said: ‘From the biggest criticisms, we grow the most.’

Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the most prominent footballers of his generation, confirmed his intention to participate in the forthcoming World Cup, which he has identified as his final appearance at the tournament.

Further details regarding the specific circumstances in which the statements were made could not be independently verified based on the available source material. The party could not be reached for comment.

Ronaldo represents the Portuguese national team and has participated in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments throughout his career. The announcement marks what he describes as a significant milestone in his international footballing career.