"Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything": Ronaldo says won't make "rash" call on international future following FIFA WC exit
Dallas, July 7
Following his side's exit in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his sadness at leaving the tournament for the last time without the trophy, but said that he would not make "any rash decisions" regarding his future with the Portugal national men's side.
Another FIFA WC, another heartbreak. Carrying the weight of expectations of his football-crazy nation since the start of his career, Cristiano's sixth and last FIFA World Cup ended with tears in his eyes as Portugal wasted their last chance in the form of a free kick in stoppage time after Mikel Merino had fired the winner in the 91st minute.
After the game, Cristiano addressed the media and said, "I am sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best, and I am leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to reflect and be with my family. I would not be making any rash decisions."
"I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment," he added further.
Reflecting on his international career with Portugal, he said that before him, his country had not won even a single title. Cristiano went on to lift the Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles with the national side and considers the Euro title as significant as the World Cup.
"I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title. 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," he added.
With Portugal's exit, Roberto Martinez, the team's manager, also confirmed his exit, and the icon said that he loved working with Martinez.
"I loved working with him," he said. "A great manager, a great human being, and what he's done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness...It is always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It is the World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that's football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on," he signed off.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Yaar, it's sad to see a legend go out like this. But the statement about winning before he came is technically true - Portugal had never won a major tournament before 2016. But timing and delivery matters, no? In India we say "naach na jaane aangan tedha" - but here the aangan is perfectly fine, it's just the ego talking.
From a neutral Indian fan's perspective: Ronaldo's greatness is undisputed, but this "before me" narrative feels unnecessary. It's like Sachin saying before him India never won ODIs. Greatness speaks for itself, bro! Also, Portugal reached Euro 2004 final before Ronaldo's peak - let's give credit to the foundation. Still, a true legend who deserves a proper send-off. 🇵🇹
Honestly, as someone who doesn't follow football much (cricket is life in India, you know), even I know Ronaldo's legacy. But this interview sounds like he's more worried about his legacy than the team's loss. In Indian culture, we value humility - "phool khilte hain to khushbu khud aati hai, bolne ki zaroorat nahi" (when flowers bloom, fragrance comes on its own, no need to say it). Still, respect for what he achieved. 🙏
As an Indian, I can understand the emotional attachment. But bro, saying "before me Portugal won nothing" - even our local gully cricket captain wouldn't say that! Football is a team sport, yaar. Yes, he's the greatest Portuguese player ever, but this statement undermines his teammates. Imagine saying this about the 2004 team that reached the final without him being the main man? 🤔 Needs to reflect better.
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