Ronaldo bids farewell to World Cup, avoids rash future call

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has played in his last World Cup game - but says he won't make any "rash decisions" on whether he has played his final game for Portugal.

Ronaldo exited the World Cup for the final time as his Portugal side lost 1-0 to Spain thanks to Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner in the last 16 in Dallas.

The 41-year-old was emotional at the full-time whistle, as his career-long dream for a World Cup trophy disappeared forever. He will go down as one of the best players to never lift the famous international trophy.

After the game, Ronaldo addressed the media to discuss his international future in general. "I'm sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," he said.

"I don't decide anything in the heat of the moment. Now is not important whether I will continue [to play]. Tomorrow I will get up the same way I got up today: with a clear conscience.

"I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly."

Ronaldo will be 43 by the time the next major tournament comes around - the 2028 European Championships hosted in the UK & Ireland.

-Sky Sports