Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup ended in a blow for Spain, courtesy of Mikel Merino’s winning goal to secure a 1-0 last-16 victory on Monday, but he was unwilling to make a hasty decision on his international future.
Ronaldo told reporters in the mixed zone that Spain had been “a bit lucky” to score thanks to substitute Merino in the final moments of a game he said could have gone either way.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this,” he said.
“I gave everything. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but now I will have time to think and be with my family. I will not make rash decisions.”
The 41-year-old would not confirm whether he had played his final match for Portugal, saying he did not want a personal decision to overshadow the team’s campaign.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said.
Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship as well as the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of his contribution to the national team.
“I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not won a single title,” he said.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as important to me as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s departure also came with the departure of Roberto Martinez as coach, and Ronaldo had warm words for the Spaniard.
“I loved working with him,” he said. “He is a great manager, a great human being, and what he has done for Portugal must be praised. I want to thank him and wish him all the luck…
“It’s always sad to be knocked out of a big tournament. It’s a World Cup. The team was really coming into their own. We played well, in my opinion. It could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to pick ourselves up and keep going.
“It’s frustrating to go out like this, but we can keep our heads high,” added the Al-Nassr striker.
