Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated that he is set to retire from international football after his country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The veteran forward was unable to inspire Portugal to victory as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their Round of 16 clash.

Spain booked a place in the quarter-finals after Mikel Merino scored a late winner to seal the victory.

Reacting to the defeat against Spain, “I’m sad now after being eliminated like this… but I gave it all, my very best,” Ronaldo said after the game.

“I’m leaving with clear coscience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

“It’s been my last World Cup, yes… but now I will have time to think, stay with my family and life continues.

“I will wake up tomorrow with same mood as I did today. I did my best.

“I won three titles with Portugal, before me it was zero titles. I can only be happy.”