Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his sadness after Portugal's national team was eliminated from the World Cup round of 16 by losing to Spain with a score of 1-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Club: Al-Nassr
The Spanish national team qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after achieving an exciting victory over Portugal with a score of 1-0 in the round of 16.
Ronaldo said in statements in the mixed zone to journalists, "I am sad to exit the World Cup in this way."
He added, "I gave everything I had, and did my utmost, and I leave with a clear conscience."
He continued, "Yes, this was my last World Cup, but I will take time to think and stay with my family, and I will not make any hasty decisions."
He emphasized, "I do not make my decisions in a moment of emotion, and I do not want my personal decision to overshadow the team's journey."
About the match, he said: "Spain had some luck to score the goal in the last moments, and it was a match that could have gone either way."
He revealed, "I won three titles with Portugal, and before Cristiano Ronaldo, the team did not achieve any title."
He explained, "The 2016 European Championship is the most important in the team's history, and for me, it is no less valuable than the World Cup."
He spoke about his coach Roberto Martinez, saying: "I enjoyed working with him, a great coach and a special person, and I thank him for what he has done for Portugal."
He concluded his statements: "Exiting a major tournament is painful, but we must hold our heads high and continue."
The Portuguese national team bid farewell to the tournament from the round of 16, while everyone awaits Ronaldo's final decision regarding his international future after a storied career with the team.
The Spanish national team won in the dying moments against Portugal with a goal by substitute Mikel Merino, in the match held at Dallas Stadium.
Thus, the Spanish national team qualifies to face the winner of the USA vs. Belgium match.
So far, 5 teams have qualified for the quarter-finals: Morocco, France, Norway, England, and Spain.
