Cristiano Ronaldo: 'Before me, Portugal had achieved nothing'

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the World Cup match against Spain was his last. The 41-year-old star expressed immense pride in what he achieved with the Portuguese team and emphasized that, before his arrival, the country had not won anything. He stated: "It's true that this was my last World Cup", reflecting on the six World Cups he played in throughout his career, following his elimination in the round of 16. Despite not having revealed whether he will retire from the national team, Ronaldo said that now is a time to think with his family. "I will not make hasty decisions. I will wake up tomorrow like today: with a clear conscience. I played for the national team for 23 years and won three titles. Before me, Portugal won nothing. Euro 2016 is the most important achievement for me, and honestly, it has the same value as a world title." When asked what he would say to the young man who debuted for the national team in 2003, Ronaldo replied that he would advise him to always do his best. "Push your body to the limit. This way, you will leave with a clear conscience. Everyone experiences playing for the national team in their own way, but it has always been a huge privilege for me. After the match, I felt emotion, but also relief. I gave it my all."  Despite his frustration with the elimination, Ronaldo praised the work of coach Roberto Martínez, who also announced his departure. "It was incredible to work with Roberto. He is a great human being and an excellent coach. He won a title (the Nations League in 2025) with Portugal, and I will never forget that. I am grateful for what he did for Portuguese football." Cristiano declined to comment on possible successors for the position of coach. "This is not the time for that. It is not for me to decide. The person responsible will make that decision." Ronaldo's career with the national team was marked by many ups and downs, but his contribution to Portuguese football is undeniable. With three important titles under his belt, he says goodbye to the pitch with a feeling of duty accomplished and a legacy that will be marked in the history of football. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Cristiano Ronaldo, Folarin Balogun und die Rücknahme der Roten Karte](https://mannschaftgoal.com/de/news/cristiano-ronaldo-folarin-balogun-und-die-rucknahme-der-roten-karte-ein-blick-au) 2. [Mikel Merino bezorgt Spanje late overwinning en schakelt Portugal uit](https://oranjenet.live/nl/news/mikel-merino-bezorgt-spanje-late-overwinning-en-schakelt-portugal-uit)

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