Cristiano Ronaldo will take time to consider his international future but stopped short of walking away from Portugal following their World Cup exit to Spain. Ronaldo made his 233rd appearance for his country in Dallas last night but was powerless to prevent European champions Spain from moving into the quarter-finals thanks to Mikel Merinos injury-time strike.The 41-year-old is now expected to focus on his club career with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but refused to make a snap decision in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.He told reporters: Im sad to leave the World Cup this way. As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. Thats the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, theres time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment.Table of ContentsMartinez heaps praise on captain RonaldoMartinez defends decision to keep Ronaldo onMartinez heaps praise on captain RonaldoPortugal boss Roberto Martinez has been accused of indulging the former Real Madrid man with the younger, and more mobile, Goncalo Ramos kicking his heels on the bench.But Martinez, who yesterday confirmed he would leave his post after his sides elimination, had nothing but praise for Ronaldo.Hes been an exemplary captain, he said.I arrived with Portugal at a time with a lot of confusion and doubts about Cristiano, and hes been a role model, not just with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his commitment, how he experiences football. Hes an example, we have to celebrate him.Were talking about an icon in football. There arent many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup, he wanted to win it, as a player, a captain, on a human level, well all take it with us forever. An example as the human being who is behind the sportsman.Martinez defends decision to keep Ronaldo onRonaldo struggled to make an impact against a Spain side that had over 55% possession but remained on for the full game.When youre a team and you need a goal you cant take Cristiano Ronaldo off, Martinez added. He can play 90 minutes, no problem. Hes a presence, he opens space, a dead-ball situation, anything in the box, it would make no sense.In extra time it probably would have made sense to use Goncalo Ramos. We had to keep the structure, it wasnt the case to take your top scorer off in the 90 minutes. Topics Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal National Football Team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Roberto Martinez resigns: Portugal boss says it doesnt make sense to continue after World Cup exit Nicholas McGee 7th July, 2026 Portugal 0-1 Spain: Merinos 91st-minute winner ends Ronaldos World Cup career Nicholas McGee 6th July, 2026 LIVE Portugal v Spain: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Ronaldo looks to shoot down European champions Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 Portugal vs Spain: Line-ups confirmed for blockbuster World Cup last-16 clash Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Portugal squad Ben Miller 6th July, 2026 Portugal v Spain: Predicted line-ups, stats and preview ahead of World Cup last-16 clash Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026
