Cristiano Ronaldo leaves World Cup with a clear conscience: 'It was my last World Cup'

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup marked his final appearance in the tournament, speaking after Portugal's Round of 16 exit against Spain. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the captain expressed a sense of peace and satisfaction with his career achievements for his national team.

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Tomorrow I will wake up the same as today, with a clear conscience. I have won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had no titles. I am happy. The biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 - the Eurocopa; for me, it has the same dimension as a World Cup. Tomorrow will be another day and life goes on.

"Tomorrow I will wake up the same as today, with a clear conscience. I have won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had no titles," Ronaldo stated in the mixed zone. He emphasized the significance of the 2016 Eurocopa victory, equating its importance to that of a World Cup title. "For me, it has the same dimension as a World Cup," he added.

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I am sad to leave the World Cup like this, but, as I said in the press conference, I have given everything, the best of myself. And I leave with a clear conscience. That's football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. You have to keep going.

Reflecting on the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the tight contest, suggesting Spain had a slight edge due to a late goal. "It was a very balanced match. It could have gone either way, and Spain had a bit of luck, scoring in the final minutes, but that's football," he analyzed.

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It was my last World Cup, but of the rest there will be time to think, to be with my family and not decide things with a hot head. And life goes on.

Regarding his future in professional football, Ronaldo remained non-committal. He indicated a desire to take time to consider his next steps, away from the immediate emotions of the tournament. "It was my last World Cup, but regarding other things, there will be time to talk, to be with my family and not make decisions with a hot head. And life goes on," he said, leaving his club future open.

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It was a very balanced match. It could have gone either way, and Spain had a bit of luck, scoring in the final minutes, but that's football. In general, it was a very hard-fought match.