Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 0-1 loss to Spain. After the match, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo admitted in an interview that this was his final World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo said: “The match could have gone either way. Spain had a bit of luck to score in the final moments, but that is football. Overall, it was a very exciting and fiercely contested match.”

“I’m very sad to say goodbye to the World Cup in this way. But as I said at yesterday’s press conference, I gave everything, did my very best, and can leave with a clear conscience. This is my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to think and be with my family. Don’t make decisions when emotions are running high.”

“Just as I did when I stood up today, my conscience is clear. I gave everything I had. I won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal had never won anything. I am satisfied. The most important title the national team has won was Euro 2016, and frankly, for me, it carries the same weight as a World Cup. I say it again: I leave with a clear conscience, having given my very best. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on.”

"I won't make a decision while emotions are running high, and I don't want a personal decision to divert everyone's attention from everything we did at the World Cup."

"We could have done better, but we were eliminated by a team that will reach the final or come very close. I think it was a very exciting and fiercely contested match. We gave it everything we had, and as long as we did that, we have nothing to blame ourselves for."

“What I want to say to head coach Martinez is that I have really enjoyed working with him. He is a great coach and a great person, and everything he has done for Portugal deserves praise. He won a title for Portugal. Many people do not value that, but Portugal had never won anything before, and winning trophies recently shows just how outstanding you have to be to win one for Portugal. I want to thank him and wish him all the best.”

“Being knocked out of a major tournament is always painful. This is the World Cup. The team has been growing throughout. In my view, we played a good match. The result could have gone either way, but that is football. We have to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward on our path. Going out in this manner is frustrating, but I have a clear conscience.”

Q: What would you say to the kid who made his debut in 2006?

Always give everything for your country, for your colors. Because that way, when it is all over, you will leave with greater peace of mind, knowing you have pushed your body as far as it could possibly go. Especially with the national team. I have a special feeling about representing the national team. For 23 years, with immense joy and love, it has always been an unforgettable experience. The final whistle? There were some emotions, but also relief and a clear conscience, because someone who has given their very best should not be reproached for anything.

Will Jorge Jesus become Portugal's new head coach?

“These decisions are not mine to make; they are for our president to decide. This is not the right time to talk about who will take over.”