Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo once again refused to make any final announcement regarding his international retirement, telling journalists: 'I will have time to think about what remains... and not make hasty decisions,' after being eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The five-time world player of the year, aged 41, played in his sixth and final World Cup.

He said: 'This was my last appearance in the World Cup, but I will have time to think about what remains and to stay with my family, and not make hasty decisions, and continue life.'

The Al-Nassr forward answered the question 'How will you wake up tomorrow?' saying: 'Just as I woke up today, with a clear conscience. I gave my best, and I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, they had no titles, so I am happy.'

A very even match

Ronaldo considered that the match which Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in stoppage time on Monday in Arlington near Texas was 'very even'.

He added: 'It could have gone either way, in my opinion. Spain had a bit of luck scoring in the final moments, but that's football. Overall, I think it was a good match.'

He continued: 'I am sad to exit the World Cup this way, but as I said yesterday in the press conference, I gave everything I had. I did my best, and I leave with a clear conscience.'

He concluded: 'That's football, that's a player's life: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and you have to keep moving forward.'