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Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has played in his last World Cup game – but says he will not make a “rush decision” on whether he has played his last game for Portugal.
Ronaldo bowed out of the World Cup for the final time as his Portugal side lost 1-0 to Spain in the last 16 in Dallas thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner.
The 41-year-old was left emotional at the full-time whistle, as his career-long dream of a World Cup trophy vanished forever. He will go down as one of the best players to not win the prestigious international trophy.
After the game, Ronaldo addressed the media to discuss his international future in general. He said, ‘I am sorry to leave the World Cup like this.
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Before Portugal’s exit from the last 16, Ronaldo confirmed this would be his last World Cup this summer.
“I gave my all. I gave my best. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to think and be with my family. I will not make any hasty decisions.
“I’m not making any decisions in the heat of the moment. Now it doesn’t matter if I continue (to play). I’ll go up tomorrow the same way I got up today: with a clear conscience.
“I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal won nothing. The Euros were the most important. For me, the same level as the 2016 World Cup, to be honest.”
Ronaldo will be 43 by the time of the next major tournament – the 2028 European Championships in the UK and Ireland.
Martinez pays tribute to Ronaldo after quitting Portugal job
Mikel Merino celebrates his stoppage-time winner against Portugal
Roberto Martinez has confirmed he will step down as Portugal manager following Spain’s World Cup exit.
Sky Sports News reported on 16 June that Martinez would step down from his role at the end of the tournament and confirmed this after the match.
“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think there is no point in continuing without winning it,” Martinez said.
“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new manager… My contract ends today. Not much else to say.
“Yes, this is my last game for the national team. I am very proud… I felt very warmly welcomed as another Portuguese person. It is a source of joy, pride and responsibility.”
Martinez also paid tribute to Ronaldo – but could not elaborate on what his captain was thinking.
Ronaldo is disappointed after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain
“A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain,” Martinez said. “Not just in terms of goals – the stats speak for themselves – but also in terms of assists.
“It’s his commitment every day, the way he lives and breathes football. He’s an example and something we must celebrate.
“We will always be grateful for what he tried to do in this World Cup, because the dream was to win the World Cup and he tried with an incredible example of leadership as captain,” said Martinez.
“It’s not a moment to look beyond what we’re talking about: a football icon. Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have many.”
