Read for 2 minutesUpdated: 7 July 2026 06:49 PM IST
Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup came to an end on Monday night in Dallas after losing to Spain in the round of 16. However, the superstar said that although he was saddened by the loss, he still gave his best and his conscience is clear.
“It’s normal and sad to leave the World Cup like this. But, as I said in the press conference, I gave it all, I gave my best,” Ronaldo said after the match.
“Still, I left with a clear conscience. That’s football. That’s a footballer’s life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And you have to move on. True, it was my last World Cup,” he added.
He said he was leaving Portugal a better team than he was when he made his debut in silverware, and will hold the Euro 2016 title in the same respect as the World Cup.
“Antes de cristiano ronaldo, portugal no había ganado ningun titulo. con cristiano ronaldo gano 3. el titulo de 2016 vale como un mundial para MI“
Cristiano Ronaldo made a balance about his career in the European selection.#MundialEnDSPORTS | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gr3NKqnapU
— DSports (@DSports) 6 July 2026
“How will I wake up tomorrow? Just like today. With a clear conscience. I gave my best. I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal had never won a title. So I am satisfied,” he said.
“The truth is, what the national team won in 2016 (European Championship) for me, honestly, has the same weight as the World Cup. That’s why I repeat: I left with a clear conscience, I gave everything. And that’s it. Tomorrow is a new day. And life will go on,” Ronaldo continued.
Ronaldo, a two-time UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal, is under contract with Al-Nasr in the Saudi Pro League. However, he refused to divulge long-term plans. “I will take time to think and be with my family and avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment and move on with my life,” he said.