Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo appears dejected as he walks off the pitch after the match following their elimination from the World Cup at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US, July 6, 2026. — Reuters
Portugal ahead Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultimate World Cup ended with a Spanish sting within the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner that earned a 1-0 round-of-16 win on Monday, however he was unwilling to make a hasty name on his worldwide future.
Ronaldo informed reporters within the blended zone that Spain loved “a bit of luck” to attain by way of substitute Merino within the dying moments of a match he felt may have swung both manner.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he stated.
“I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
The 41-year-old stopped wanting confirming whether or not he had performed his ultimate recreation for Portugal, saying he didn’t desire a private determination to overshadow the workforce’s marketing campaign.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he stated.
Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship plus the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, stated he was pleased with his contribution to the nationwide workforce.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he stated.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s exit additionally got here with Roberto Martinez’s departure as supervisor, and Ronaldo supplied heat phrases for the Spaniard.
“I loved working with him,” he stated. “A great manager, a great human being, and what he’s done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness…
“It is at all times unhappy to be knocked out of a serious event. It’s a World Cup. The workforce was actually coming into its personal. We performed properly, in my opinion. It may have gone both manner, however that’s soccer. We have now to select ourselves up and stick with it.
“It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high,” added the Al-Nassr ahead.
