AN emotional Cristiano Ronaldo said he had a “clear conscience” and cited his Euro 2016 title as he exited his final World Cup with Portugal eliminated 1-0 by Spain in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, last night.
Spain’s Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to send Spain to the quarter-finals at the expense of their European neighbours and rivals.
Following the final whistle, a visibly emotional Ronaldo wiped tears from his eyes as he applauded the fans at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium).
The 41-year-old’s World Cup career ends with 27 appearances — the second most behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi (30) — but without the one major trophy missing from his collection.
He confirmed to reporters afterward that it was his final World Cup but has not yet closed the door on appearing for the national team again.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way,” he said. “As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.
“It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there’s time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.”
Ronaldo was trying to get Portugal to the quarter-finals in a second consecutive tournament for the first time. Instead, the career on football’s biggest stage is over for the all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233).
He helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 as well as two UEFA Nations League titles, but the World Cup remained an elusive prize.
The deepest Ronaldo ever made it in the World Cup was a semi-final run in 2006, his debut in the tournament.
“I’ve given my all. I’ve won three titles with Portugal,” he said. “The 2016 [Euros] title is on the same level as a World Cup.”
Ronaldo’s finale on soccer’s biggest stage came eight years after he recorded a World Cup hat trick at age 33.
That was in a 3-3 draw with Spain in a group stage opener considered one of the tournament’s best matches, although both powers didn’t reach the knockout stage.
He scored 11 goals in World Cup play, tied for ninth on the career list.
“He’s been an exemplary captain,” Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said of Ronaldo following the game.
Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has stepped down from the position after three years in the role following the defeat to Spain.
Martinez took charge of Portugal in 2023, and his contract was due to expire after the World Cup.
Speaking in a post-match news conference, he said it “wouldn’t make sense” to continue in the role, having also been eliminated in the quarter-finals at Euro 2024.
“Yes, this is my last game with the national team,” Martinez said. “I’m proud. I’ve had 45 games, and I felt welcomed in Portugal, and loved. It’s a memory I’ll take with me always.
“It was a pleasure, a source of pride, and responsibility. It’s hard, but it’s the end of a cycle and in the context it makes absolute sense.”
Martinez coached Belgium before he took the Portugal job, and was previously manager of Everton, Wigan and Swansea.
ESPN
