Cristiano Ronaldo exits final World Cup with 'clear conscience' - ESPN

An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo said he had a «clear conscience» as he exited his final World Cup as Portugal were eliminated 1-0 by Spain in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.

Spain's Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to send Spain to the quarterfinals at the expense of their Iberian Peninsula rivals.

— World Cup Daily live: Spain knock out Portugal

Following the final whistle, a visibly emotional Ronaldo wiped tears from his eyes as he applauded the fans at AT&T Stadium. The 41-year-old's World Cup career ends with 27 appearances — the second-most all time behind Lionel Messi (30) — but without the one major trophy missing from his collection.

He confirmed to reporters afterward that it was his final World Cup but has not yet closed the door on appearing for the national team again.

«I'm sad to leave the World Cup this way,» he said. «As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.

»It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there's time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment."

Ronaldo was trying to get Portugal to the quarterfinals in a second consecutive tournament for the first time. Instead, the career on soccer's biggest stage is over for the all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233).

He helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 as well as two UEFA Nations League titles, however the World Cup remained an elusive prize. The deepest Ronaldo ever made it in the World Cup was a semifinal run in 2006, his debut in the tournament.

«I've given my all. I've won three titles with