Sport:- ‘This Is Not The Time To Talk About My Future’- Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo says it is “not the time” to discuss his international future after Portugal’s World Cup exit.

A 2-1 last-16 defeat by Uruguay on Saturday sent the European champions home from Russia.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he hopes his captain, who will be 37 at the next World Cup in Qatar, “will stay to help the young players grow and develop”.

“This team will always fight with all their strength,” said Ronaldo.

Ronaldo scored four goals, including a hat-trick against Spain, to take Portugal through to the last 16 almost on his own, but was unable to continue that form beyond the group stages.

The Real Madrid forward had failed to find the net in his four previous knockout games and never really troubled Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal.

But he was determined to be positive after what could be his last appearance on the biggest stage of international football.

“I’m happy, and I’m leaving here content because things went pretty well in general,” he said. “This team will continue to be one of the best in the world, with quality players, a young group, united.

“We’re going out with heads held high and the Portugal team will continue to win things.

“Generally speaking, we can be proud of our efforts.”