Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he will not make any hasty decisions regarding his international future following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Spain. The 41-year-old football icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, saw his team exit the tournament after a 1-0 defeat in the round of 16 on Monday, June 6.
Ronaldo confirms this was his last World Cup
On the eve of the match, Ronaldo had indicated that this would be his final appearance on the World Cup stage. When pressed after the loss about what lies ahead, he reiterated that sentiment while urging caution. "It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life," Ronaldo told reporters. "That's football, that's the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to move on."
Leaving with a clear conscience
Despite the disappointing exit, Ronaldo expressed pride in his performance and legacy with the national team. The all-time leading scorer in men's international football said he departs the World Cup "with a clear conscience." He emphasized that his greatest achievement with Portugal remains the 2016 European Championship victory. "The truth is, the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 (Euros), which for me is just as significant as a World Cup, honestly," he said. "That's why, I repeat, I'm leaving with a clear conscience, at my best, and that's it. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on."
Ronaldo's World Cup journey
Ronaldo has never won a World Cup with Portugal. His best performance came in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals and finished fourth in Germany. The 2016 European Championship remains the pinnacle of his international career, a title he won a decade ago. As he contemplates his next steps, Ronaldo's focus is on family and reflection before making any decisions about his future in football.
