Cristiano Ronaldo has played down his failure to win a World Cup` in his career, insisting that his Euro 2016 triumph with Portugal is “just as significant”.
Ronaldo confirmed he had played his final minutes at the World Cup after Portugal’s last-16 exit to Spain on Monday, in which they succumbed to a stoppage-time Mikel Merino winner.
The World Cup is the only major competition Ronaldo has not won but now, at the sixth time of trying, the 41-year-old Portuguese captain is having to come to terms with not claiming international football’s biggest prize.
It’s a factor that will now forever set Lionel Messi apart from him in the debate for the greatest player of all time, with the Argentinian’s triumph at Qatar 2022 giving him the edge in the eyes of many.
But he was adamant that going without a World Cup winner’s medal is not the be all and end all – highlighting his European Championship win 10 years ago as just as important.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
“The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup.
“I leave with clear conscience and giving my best to Portugal. Tomorrow will be a new day and then life will go on.”
After the match, Ronaldo was emotional and in tears as he clapped and waved to the Portuguese fans in the stadium.
He had confirmed before this match that this would be his last World Cup and reiterated that decision in his post-match interview, but did not say he would definitely retire from international football.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Ronaldo is the most decorated player in international football history with 146 goals in 233 appearances for his country.
