Ronaldo says Portugal not among WC favourites
Cristiano Ronaldo does not believe Portugal is among the favourites to win the World Cup in Russia, with Brazil and Spain instead tipped by the Real Madrid star to claim the trophy.
Portugal faces Spain in its World Cup opener on 16 June (AEDT) before facing Morocco and Iran in its remaining Group B fixtures.
The Iberian derby promises to be one of the great matches of the group stage, but Ronaldo thinks Spain has a better chance of winning the World Cup than UEFA EURO 2016 champion Portugal.
"We are not favourites," Ronaldo said. "We have to be honest and humble and understand that, theoretically, there are teams with stronger names, like Brazil, Spain, Germany, also Argentina.
"We're not favourites but everything is possible in football. We'll try to qualify from the group stage. After that, we don't know."
Ronaldo had to watch Portugal win Euro 2016 from the bench after being substituted in the final victory over host France due to injury, Eder scoring an injury-time winner.
"I had the goal to be a professional and to play for the Portugal national team," the 33 year-old said. "At that point, there were players that stood out in the national team, like Rui Costa, Fernando Couto, [Luis] Figo. I always looked up to them. I had to play beside them.
"Deco, too, but he came after that. I entered the national team at the same time as Deco."
Portugal has never won the World Cup but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner does not feel he needs to triumph at the tournament to complete an incredible career.
"Honestly, I don't think so," Ronaldo said when asked if he has any more goals. "I achieved everything I dreamt of in football.
"We can all have dreams and goals but I achieved so many beautiful things that I don't have any dreams left.
"If you ask me if I want to win the World Cup... of course! But if I had to end my career right now, I would be very proud. I never thought my career would be so beautiful."