Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak as Mikel Merino's last-gasp winner secured a 1-0 round-of-16 victory for Spain. The 41-year-old refused to make a hasty decision about his international future, stating he would take time to reflect.

Ronaldo told reporters that Spain had 'a bit of luck' to score in the dying moments of a match he felt could have gone either way. 'I'm sad to leave the World Cup like this. I gave it my all, and I'm leaving with a clear conscience,' he said.

'It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won't be making any rash decisions,' added the Al-Nassr forward.

Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, expressed pride in his contribution. 'Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title,' he noted.

Portugal's exit also saw manager Roberto Martinez depart, with Ronaldo offering warm words: 'I loved working with him. A great manager, a great human being.'

'It's frustrating to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high. That's football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on,' Ronaldo concluded.

Source: www.aljazeera.com