“I leave with a clear conscience.” Cristiano Ronaldo announces the end of his World Cup career

The Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo, announced that this edition of the World Cup is the last one in which he will participate, following his country’s loss, yesterday evening, Monday, at the hands of its rival Spain, with a goal without a response, and its exit from the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

According to what was reported by the Portuguese “Ojogo” website, Ronaldo said in statements to reporters in the mixed zone after the match: “We lacked a little luck. We conceded a goal in the last minutes, and the match was largely equal, but this is football.”

Ronaldo, who appeared emotional after the end of the match, added: “It is normal for me to feel sad after leaving in this way, but I said yesterday that I would do everything I can, and this is what I did. I leave with a clear conscience, and life goes on.”

Regarding his ability to overcome the matter, he said: “I will wake up tomorrow as I am. I won three titles with the national team, after Portugal had not won any title before, and the 2016 title remains the best for me. I will wake up in peace, because tomorrow is a new day.”

Ronaldo considered that Portugal had bid farewell to the tournament against one of the most prominent candidates competing for the title, adding: “I believe that Spain will reach the final or will be very close to it. We have done everything we have, and when that happens there is no room for complaint.”

He also sent a message of appreciation to coach Roberto Martinez, who announced his departure after the match, and said: “I enjoyed working with him very much. He is a wonderful coach, and what he gave to Portugal was very important. He won a title with us, and I thank him for everything he did and wish him success.”

As for his future, he confirmed: “It is true that this was the last World Cup for me, but about the rest of my future, I will discuss it with my family, and I will not make any hasty decision.”

When Ronaldo was asked about the advice he would give himself before his first match in the 2006 World Cup, he said: “I will tell him to always give his best. When you do that, you leave with a clear conscience. Representing the national team has always been a great honor for me, and in the end I felt sad, but I am also relieved because I gave everything.”