'You've been trying to kill me for 23 years' - should Ronaldo start?

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, 'Of course he scores' - Ronaldo levels for Portugal By Neil Johnston BBC Sport journalist in Miami Published 17 minutes ago "I am not the player I used to be." Cristiano Ronaldo approached the big debate head on as he spoke to the media before Portugal's World Cup last-16 tie against Spain on Monday (20:00 BST). The 41-year-old, who again confirmed this would be his last World Cup, has divided opinion with his performances at the tournament, with three goals to his name but some ineffectual performances. But, when asked on Sunday about his future and recent criticisms, he replied: "I'm not doing too bad. "You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it's a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try. "As I said before, [I will stop] when I choose, not when you choose. You always ask the same question. "This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game." Portugal v Spain Monday, 6 July (20:00 BST) Dallas Stadium Watch on iPlayer Watch live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app; listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds Listen: Football Daily podcast Seven months from turning 42, Ronaldo's time as captain, leader and inspiration of the 2016 European champions is drawing to a close. The five-time Champions League winner has always said that this would be his final World Cup while, before last week's last-32 gamne with Croatia in Toronto, Ronaldo's sister stated this tournament would be his "last dance". , external When Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute, it looked as though his 232nd appearance for his country could be his very last. He equalised from the penalty spot, his first goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup, before head coach Roberto Martinez made the decision to bring the national icon off. Ronaldo looked unhappy as he walked off but it proved a shrewd move as substitute Goncalo Ramos, seen as a natural replacement for Ronaldo, sent Portugal through in a chaotic finish. Now there are questions about whether Ronaldo should start against Spain in Texas. Ronaldo, who was applauded out of the press conference, added: "I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup. "I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40... the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this. "Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience -- not 100% but 1,000% because in life and football I gave everything." Huge 'Snicko' VAR call prolongs Ronaldo's last dance but ends Modric's Published 3 days ago Are Portugal better without Ronaldo - and is he undroppable? Published 17 June To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal fans on hotel balc