“Ronaldo leaves the World through tears

Portugal's 41-year-old captain was tearn up after his recent defeat, but stressed he would not immediately make a decision on his overall future with the nationals.

The World Dream Ends

Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 defeat of Spain, with Michel Merino's decisive goal at the extra time of the match. This elimination puts an end to Ronaldo's trip to the most prestigious football tournament, never to win the grand trophy.

After the last whistle, ahead of about 70 thousand fans, the veteran attacker failed to keep his emotions. He left the field through tears on a stage that restored memories of his painful departure to the 2022 World in Qatar.

Ronaldo talks about the future

Speaking after the match, Manchester United's former striker reflected on his journey with the national and said he would give himself time before making a final decision.

I'm sorry to leave the World Cup this way. I gave everything. I did my best. It was my last world, yes, but now I will have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't make any hasty decisions. I don't put anything in the heat of the moment. Now it's not important whether I'm going to continue. Tomorrow I'm gonna wake up the same way I woke up today: with a clear conscience”, Ronaldo said.

He added that his career with Portugal remains a source of pride.

I've played 23 years with the national and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had won nothing. The European Championship was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same weight as a World Cup, sincerely”, he said.

An Junk Record for Ronaldon

Despite an extraordinary international career and 11 goals in six World Cup editions, Ronaldo's statistics in the stages of direct elimination remained a topic of discussion.

In his final appearance in the World, he played all 90 minutes and recorded three hits but could not defeat Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.

With this loss, Ronaldo even equalled an unwanted World Cup record, reaching eight losses during his career in this tournament, a figure that he shares with Mathew Leckie and Son Heung-min.

Portugal Before a New Era

After the elimination, Portugal is expected to enter a significant transition period. The coach's decision to step down after failing in the direct elimination phase forces the federation to seek a successor who will rebuild the team for the upcoming European qualifying cycle.

With Ronaldo going to be 43 at the time of Euro 2028, the main focus is now expected to shift to regeneration of the team and create a new generation of leaders in the offensive phase.

For Ronaldon, however, this was the end of a great chapter: His last world, a dream unbroken and an escape between emotions from the biggest stage of football. Periscope.