HOUSTON: Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to what the veteran star said was his final FIFA World Cup appearance.
Spain secured its place in the quarterfinals with a late goal after a tightly contested match, eliminating Portugal from the tournament.
Ronaldo, 41, was visibly emotional after the final whistle and wept on the pitch as teammates and opponents gathered around him.
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Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal embraced Ronaldo and offered words of comfort following the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said Portugal's early exit was "disappointing" but added that he had given everything for his country.
"I gave my all and did everything I could. I have no regrets because I left nothing on the field," Ronaldo said. "This was my last World Cup. Now I'll have the opportunity to spend more time with my family."
Reflecting on his international career, Ronaldo highlighted Portugal's major achievements during his time with the national team.
"I won three major titles with Portugal. Before that, Portugal had never won a major trophy," he said, adding that the country's triumph at the 2016 European Championship remained one of the greatest accomplishments of his career.
More read, Spain beat Portugal, as Merino’s late goal ends Ronaldo’s World Cup run
Ronaldo said winning the European title with Portugal felt as significant to him as lifting the World Cup.
