Ronaldo holds again the tears as Portugal knocked out in star’s final World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to have played his final game for Portugal on the World Cup stage as rumours the Manchester United legend will be calling it quits on his national team career
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared emotional following defeat to Spain in the round of 16(Image: Getty Images)
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo was seen appearing to hold back the tears as his Portugal side were dumped out of the World Cup by Spain.
The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was hoping for a fairytale ending to what is believed to be his last World Cup with rumours he may retire from international football after this tournament.
As the game looked to be heading to extra time in the round of 16 clash, Spain snatched a late winner in stoppage time.
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino became Spain’s hero in a scrappy tie as World Cup fans may have seen Ronaldo for the last time on the international stage just days after he made history.
The 41-year-old became the first player to score at six different tournaments when he grabbed two goals in his country’s 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan. But reports suggest this might not be his last World Cup but his last international tournament as well.
However, Ronaldo appeared to hit back at reports during a media conference at the World Cup yesterday (July 8). He told them that he will retire from international football “when I want to, not when you want me to”.
Ronaldo, quoted by Portuguese paper A Bola, told a press conference: “I’m always body and soul to help the national team. Playing or not playing, I will always have an important role.
“I’ll finish when I want to, not when you want me to. It’s a waste of time to keep asking that question.
“But I don’t want to turn my attention to that. The most important thing is (the game against Spain on Monday).”
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