After the removal of Portugal facing Spain in the round of 16 of the World Cup 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo He assured that he leaves with a “clear conscience” and satisfied with the legacy he built with the Portuguese team, although he avoided confirming whether he will continue his professional career.
The Portuguese captain acknowledged that the duel marked his last participation in a World Cup and highlighted that during his time he helped win the three most important titles in Portugal’s history, putting the 2016 Euro Cup on the same level as a World Cup due to its significance.
“Tomorrow I will wake up the same as today, with a clear conscience. I have won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal did not have any titles. I am happy. The biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016; for me it has the same dimension as a World Cup,” he stated.
The forward confessed that the elimination leaves a bitter taste in him, although he considers that he gave everything on the field.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this, but I’ve given everything, my best. I’m leaving with a clear conscience. That’s football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” he expressed.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaves his future in suspense
Regarding his continuity as a footballer, the historic scorer preferred not to make an immediate decision and explained that he will analyze the next step with his family.
“It was my last World Cup, but for the rest there will be time to think, be with my family and not decide things with a hot head,” he commented.
Finally, Ronaldo considered that the match against Spain was very even and believed that the Spanish team found the difference thanks to a dose of fortune.
“It was a very balanced match. It could have gone either way and Spain had a little luck, scoring in the final minutes, but that’s football. In general it was a very close match,” he concluded.
