New Delhi:Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has played in his last FIFA World Cup but stated that he won't be making "rash decisions" on whether he has played his last international match for the former European champions. Ronaldo's bid for the elusive World Cup ended with a 1-0 defeat to 2010 champions Spain in the round of 16 in Dallas on Tuesday, July 7 (IST) as he broke down in tears walking off the pitch.
The 41-year-old, who had already confirmed this would be his final World Cup before the Spain clash, spoke to the media to discuss his international future following the. Ronaldo said after the game: "I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I did all I could. I tried my best. "Yes it was my last World Cup but now it is time for me to reflect and to spend time with my family. I'm not going to do anything foolish. I never decide things on the spur of the moment. Whether I continue playing is not important now. “I shall get up tomorrow as I got up today, with a clear conscience,” he added.
Ronaldo led Portugal win three titlesRonaldo may be nearing the end of his international career but the 23-year veteran has helped Portugal win three major titles. The striker was the brains behind their Euro 2016 win and the Nations League wins in 2019 and 2025. I played 23 years in the national team, I won three titles. Portugal had won nothing before Cristiano. The Euros were the biggest thing. “2016 is the same size as a World Cup. No kidding.
Ronaldo is currently 41 and will be 43 for the next major tournament, the 2028 Euros to be hosted by the UK and Ireland. He will be 45 by the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around. That global showcase will be co-hosted by Portugal, Morocco and Spain.
Roberto Martinez leaves Portugal jobPortugal manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed his departure from the Seleção das Quinas. “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think there is no point in going on without winning it,” Martinez said after the defeat by Spain.
“Now the board and the president have the opportunity to choose the new manager… my contract ends today. There is not much more to say. “Yes, my last game with the national team. I'm really proud... I felt welcomed being just a Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It has been a pleasure, a pride and a responsibility,” he added.
"Ronaldo was our captain and he gave a lot to the national team," Martinez said. "A word of thanks, because he was a great captain," Martinez said. "Not only in terms of goals - the stats speak for themselves - but assists as well.
It’s the way he lives and breathes football, his day-to-day dedication. He is an example and something we have to celebrate. We will be forever grateful for what he tried to do in 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.
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