‘It’s disappointing to leave like this, but we can keep our heads high’

The 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup stunned the entire Portugal camp. That last-minute goal from Michael Merino not only knocked Portugal out of the tournament, but also brought the curtain down on one of the most epic chapters in football history – Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Last Dance’ at the World Cup.

When Ronaldo arrived at the post-match press conference, there was a strange calmness in his eyes and face. As much as there was pain in the farewell, there was also a sense of satisfaction in having given everything he had. The Portuguese great made it clear that although the farewell was painful, he had no regrets.

“It’s disappointing to be eliminated from the World Cup like this, but we can keep our heads high,” Ronaldo said.

Talking about his last World Cup, he added, “I gave it my all. I gave my best, and I leave the field with a clear conscience. Yes, this was my last World Cup, but now I will have a chance to think and spend time with my family. I am not going to take any decision in a hurry. I do not take any decision in excitement.”

The legend who changed the history of Portuguese football recalled the success he had achieved, “I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had not won a single title. The biggest title the national team has ever won was the 2016 European Championship, which is honestly as important to me as a World Cup.”

Analyzing the match, the outgoing Portuguese captain said, “It’s always tough to get knocked out of any big tournament. This is the World Cup. The team was really picking themselves up. In my opinion, we played well. The result could have gone either way, but that’s football. We have to get back up and move forward.”

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Ronaldo took three shots against Spain in the match, more than any other Portugal player. Despite scoring three goals against Spain in the previous World Cup, he failed to find the net on the final night. He reached a unique milestone by starting his 25th match in the tournament, with only Lionel Messi (27) ahead of him.

Coach’s farewell

On the night of Ronaldo’s psychological battle, another blow to the Portugal camp came with the announcement of the resignation of coach Roberto Martinez. He decided to step down from the role of head coach after the World Cup exit. However, he did not forget to express his pride in his disciples during his farewell.

“It was a match of very high quality, technically and tactically. Both teams had similar thinking. I think it would have been fairer to draw the match and go to extra time. Spain scored the first clear chance they had. Congratulations to Spain, but I also congratulate my players. The way we played is very proud.”

Portugal may have lost six of their last eight World Cup knockout matches, failing to put a shot on target against Spain in the second half after a dominant first half – but Ronaldo’s mature message off the pitch is a new inspiration for the future generation of Portuguese football. While the departure is disappointing, Cristiano Ronaldo is looking forward to a new dawn with his head held high.