Cristiano Ronaldo has argued that the 2016 European Championship that Portugal won holds the same weight as the World Cup.
Ronaldo featured in his sixth World Cup in North America this summer, and his three goals meant he became the first player to score in six World Cups.
Despite his stellar record, which includes five Ballons d’Or and five UEFA Champions League titles amongst other awards, he has never tasted glory on the biggest international stage.
Ronaldo’s best result at a World Cup was a run to the semi-finals in his debut tournament in 2006, and defeat to Spain in Dallas meant he would not better that this summer.
The 41-year-old confirmed before the match with Spain that it would be his final World Cup, and he says he can bow out with his head held high.
“It’s normal and sad to leave the World Cup like that,” Ronaldo said (via TNT Sport). ”But, as I said in the press conference, I gave it all, I gave my best.
“Yet, I left with a clear conscience. That’s football. That’s a footballer’s life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And you have to move on. The truth is, it was my last World Cup.”
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Asked about his future plans, Ronaldo added: “How will I get up tomorrow? Exactly like I did today. With a clear conscience. I gave my best.
”I won three titles with Portugal. Before Cristiano, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. So, I’m content.
”The truth is, what the national team won in 2016 [the European Championship] to me, honestly, it holds the same weight as the World Cup.
”That’s why I repeat: I leave with a clear conscience, I gave it my all. And that’s that. Tomorrow is a new day. And life goes on.”
Ronaldo – who won the UEFA Nations League on two occasions with Portugal – is under contract to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, but gave no indication of his future plans.
