Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal captain confirms he has played his last World Cup match but won’t make rash decision on international future | Football News
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has played in his last World Cup game – but says he won’t make any “rash decisions” on whether he has played his final game for Portugal.
Ronaldo exited the World Cup for the final time as his Portugal side lost 1-0 to Spain thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner in the last 16 in Dallas.
The 41-year-old was emotional at the full-time whistle, as his career-long dream for a World Cup trophy disappeared forever. He will go down as one of the best players to never lift the famous international trophy.
After the game, Ronaldo addressed the media to discuss his international future in general. “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said.
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Before Portugal’s last 16 exit, Ronaldo confirmed it would be his final World Cup this summer
“I gave it my all. I did my best. 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 don’t decide anything in the heat of the moment. Now is not important whether I will continue [to play]. Tomorrow I will get up the same way I got up today: with a clear conscience.
“I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly.”
Ronaldo will be 43 by the time the next major tournament comes around – the 2028 European Championships hosted in the UK & Ireland.
Martinez leaves Portugal job and pays tribute to Ronaldo
Mikel Merino celebrates his stoppage-time winner against Portugal
Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he will step down from his role as Portugal’s manager after their World Cup exit to Spain.
Sky Sports News reported on June 16 that Martinez was set to step down from his role at the end of the tournament and confirmed this after the match.
“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing,” Martinez said.
“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager… my contract ends today. There isn’t much more to say.
“Yes, it’s my last game for the national team. I’m very proud… I’ve felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It’s been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility.”
Martinez also paid tribute to Ronaldo – but could not give any more details about what his captain is thinking.
Ronaldo is dejected after Portugal are knocked out of the World Cup by Spain
“A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain,” Martinez said. “Not just in terms of goals – the statistics speak for themselves – but also in terms of assists.
“It’s his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He’s an example and something we must celebrate.
“We will always be grateful for what he tried to do at this World Cup, because the dream was to win the World Cup and he tried with an incredible example of leadership as a captain,” Martinez said.
“This is not the moment to look beyond what we’re talking about: a soccer icon. There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos.”
