Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he will be taking some time before making a decision on his future next move after falling 1-0 in the last 16 on Monday to Spain in the World Cup.
Before the game, the 41-year-old had stated that he would not return to the World Cup after the 2026 edition and that it would mark the end of his exceptional career in the world’s greatest tournament.
After Portugal’s exit, Ronaldo said that he was not in a rush to make a decision about his future but that he was going to take the time to be with his family first.
“It was my last World Cup yes but I will have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make hasty decisions and just get on with life;” he said.
After Portugal’s exit, the veteran striker acknowledged the setback, but emphasised that it is a part of a footballer’s life.
Read more: Ronaldo enjoys silencing critics after World Cup record
“That’s football and that’s the life of a footballer. Sometimes you are victorious, sometimes you are not and you have to move on,” Ronaldo said.
The Portuguese legend is the top scorer in the history of the international men’s football, admits he never won the World Cup but has no regrets.
“It was as big as winning a World Cup for me: the biggest I have won with the national team is the UEFA European Championship in 2016,” he added.
“That’s why I am leaving, I repeat, with a clear conscience, at my best and that’s it. Tomorrow is a new day and life goes on.”
Ronaldo never won a World Cup, but his international career was an extraordinary one that lasted over 20 years.
His best World Cup performance was the Portugal semi-final appearance 20 years ago and his most successful international campaign was leading the way to Euro 2016 for the first time in the country’s history.
Also read: Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn World Cup point
