Portugal exited the World Cup via a 1-0 last 16 defeat to Spain, marking Cristiano Ronaldo's final match in the competition; the 41-year-old admitted he will not play in the World Cup again - but needs time to think about his overall Portugal future
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
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.