Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he has a “clear conscience” after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain.
Mikel Merino was the only goalscorer in the last-16 tie, firing home in second-half injury time to send the Selecao packing, and head coach Roberto Martinez resigned his post at full-time.
The defeat brings down the curtain on the 41-year-old Ronaldo’s World Cup career, and he was emotional as he left the pitch, wiping tears from his eyes.
Speaking to reporters from the mixed zone, Ronaldo was adamant he would not dwell on the fact that he had failed to win the World Cup.
"I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way," he said. "As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience.
“That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.
"It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."
He went on, saying that, in his mind, Portugal’s 2016 European championships meant as much as a World Cup title might have.
"I've given my all. I've won three titles with Portugal," he said. "The 2016 [Euros] title is on the same level as a World Cup.”
Portugal’s defeat saw Martinez stand down from his role, which he has occupied since 2023. He confirmed the move in his own post-match media duties, but was adamant that his side’s exit from the round of 16 was not a failure.
"Yes, this is my last game with the national team," Martinez said. "I'm proud. I've had 45 games, and I felt welcomed in Portugal, and loved. It's a memory I'll take with me always.
"It was a pleasure, a source of pride, and responsibility. It's hard, but it's the end of a cycle and in the context it makes absolute sense.
"We didn't fail. We lost a game, against a team that's one of the favourites. We showed incredible individual talent.
“Winning or losing is about details in the big games, with big teams...You fail when you don't try to win, and we tried to win until the last minute.”
