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Ronaldo says his World Cup is over but Portugal decision can wait

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Cristiano Ronaldo stated that his team's round-of-16 World Cup match against Spain was his last in the tournament.
  • He expressed sadness at the exit but affirmed he gave his all and left with a clear conscience, indicating a need for reflection before deciding his international future.
  • Ronaldo highlighted his significant contributions to Portugal, including winning three titles, and praised manager Roberto Martinez.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that his team's round-of-16 World Cup exit against Spain marked his final appearance in the tournament. The 41-year-old forward expressed his disappointment with the outcome, which was decided by a late goal from Mikel Merino, stating that Spain "enjoyed a bit of luck" in their 1-0 victory.

Spain enjoyed “a bit of luck” to score through substitute Merino in the dying moments of a match he felt could have swung either way.

— Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo's assessment of the match against Spain.

"I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," Ronaldo told reporters. "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."

I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. 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.

— Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo reflecting on his World Cup exit and future.

Ronaldo, who has helped Portugal secure three major titles including the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League, emphasized the significance of his contributions to the national team. "Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," he stated, adding that the European Championship victory is as significant to him as a World Cup.

I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment.

— Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo on his approach to deciding his international future.

He also spoke highly of departing manager Roberto Martinez, calling him "a great manager, a great human being." Ronaldo thanked Martinez for his work with the national team. Despite the frustrating exit, Ronaldo maintained that the team played well and could hold their heads high, acknowledging that football outcomes can be unpredictable.

I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title.

— Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo highlighting his achievements with the Portuguese national team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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