Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that Portugal’s Round of 16 exit against Spain was his final tournament appearance, finishing his iconic World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals across six editions. Photo: IANS
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he has played his final Fifa World Cup and won't be returning for a seventh global finals following Portugal's Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Spain at Dallas Stadium.
The 41-year-old's World Cup career ends with 27 appearances, the second most behind Argentina's Lionel Messi (30), but without the one major trophy missing from his collection.
He hit 11 goals in 27 games and set multiple milestones, including becoming the first man to score in six editions. In the current edition, he scored three goals, including two in Portugal's 5-0 opening statement against Uzbekistan, and his first-ever World Cup knockout goal, a penalty that sent Portugal past Croatia in the last 32.
“I’m fine, sad to leave the World Cup this way. But, as I said yesterday in the press conference, I gave my best and I leave with a clear conscience," he told SportTV after the 1-0 loss. "That’s the life of a football player.
