CRISTIANO RONALDO admits this was his final World Cup – but has NOT ruled out playing on for Portugal.
And with the next European Championship just two years away, his comments have sparked intrigue about whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could plough on until Euro 2028, when he will be 43.
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Cristiano Ronaldo says he will think before deciding on the next steps in his careerCredit: Refer to source
Ronaldo was in tears after Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup in the last 16 on Monday as Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time goal sent Spain through to the quarter-finals.
It means the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star will round off his career without the biggest title of them all.
The same title his arch-rival Lionel Messi already has in his back pocket as he hunts down a second with Argentina this summer.
But CR7 was typically defiant when reflecting on his 23-year international career, and looking ahead to what may be left to come.
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He said: “I’m sad to exit the World Cup like this.
“But I gave everything. Well, I gave my best. And I leave with a clear conscience.
“This is football, this is the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And you have to keep going.
“The truth is that it was my last World Cup, yes. But now I will have time to think, to be with my family and not to decide things with a hot head. And to continue with life.”
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Ronaldo hinting he will think about carrying on was followed by a declaration of love for the Euros, which he won in 2016 and could have another pop at in two years’ time.
He continued: “How do I feel today? The same. With a clear conscience. I gave my best. I have won three titles for Portugal.
“Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won any titles. So, I’m happy.
“The truth is that the biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016 which, for me, has the same value as a World Cup, honestly.
“That’s why, I repeat, I leave with a clear conscience, I gave my best and that’s it. Tomorrow will be a new day and life goes on.”
Ronaldo is locked into a contract with club side Al-Nassr which will see him through until next June, when he will be 42.
As the highest appearance-maker and goalscorer in the history of men’s international football, the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate is running out of records to chase.
He is currently 24 goals away from reaching 1,000 in senior football and is projected to surpass that mark next season.
But only three of them came at this World Cup, with Messi challenging for the Golden Boot on seven and still going strong for Argentina.
