Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo bows out following loss to Spain saying Portugal's European Championship win 'holds the same weight as the World Cup'

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Cristiano Ronaldo will bow out of international football "with a clear conscience" saying he led Portugal to three titles including a European Championship that "holds the same weight as the World Cup".

Ronaldo proud of World Cup achievements with Portugal

Video credit: SNTV

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 tournaments.

Despite his stellar record, which includes five Ballons d’Or and five UEFA Champions League titles, 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.

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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. ”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."

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.

”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,” Ronaldo said.

Martinez: It's the end of the cycle

Also bowing out following Portugal's World Cup exit is coach Roberto Martinez, who confirmed he would be stepping down.

"It's the end of the cycle," he said. "It's important to have a new voice, a new leader.

'Yes, certainly my last match' - Martinez reaffirms he will not stay on as Portugal head coach

Video credit: SNTV

"I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.

"It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue."

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