Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to announce his retirement from international football despite his country’s FIFA World Cup exit.
The 41-year-old striker scored three goals during the tournament before Portugal’s campaign came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favourites thanks to the quality throughout their squad. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and João Neves in midfield, many expected Roberto Martínez‘s side to reach at least the semi-finals.
Portugal, however, struggled to find their best form in the group stage, managing just one victory against Uzbekistan.
They then survived a controversial Round of 32 clash against Croatia to keep their World Cup dream alive, but a meeting with Spain proved to be one hurdle too many.
Ronaldo out of the World Cup
Ronaldo was largely kept quiet by the Spanish defence, managing just two shots throughout the match as Portugal bowed out of the competition.
After the final whistle, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was asked whether the defeat marked the end of his international career.
“Regarding the rest, I’ll take time to think and be with my family to avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment and to move forward with my life.”
“I don’t decide things with a hot head. I think I’ll have time to think, to reflect, to talk to my family.”
Ronaldo’s comments leave the door open for a potential return to the national team, although he stopped short of confirming his future.
Ronaldo is the first male player to score in six FIFA World Cups
Some supporters believe he could be targeting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
Should he feature at the tournament, Ronaldo would be 45 years old and could become the oldest player ever to appear at a men’s FIFA World Cup.
While Ronaldo has shown he can still perform at a high level, it remains to be seen whether he will continue playing internationally over the next four years. His decision is likely to depend on his fitness, form and his role within the Portugal squad as they build towards the next World Cup.
