LONDON – Cristiano Ronaldo declined to comment on his international futureafter bowing out of the World Cup following Portugal’s 2-1 defeat byUruguay.

The Real Madrid star exited his fourth World Cup in disappointment aftertwo goals from Edinson Cavani saw the Uruguayans advance to the last eightyesterday.

However, Ronaldo, who will be 37 by the time of the next World Cup, wouldnot be drawn on whether he planned to extend his international career.

“Now is not the time to talk about the future of players and coaches,”Ronaldo said.

The 33-year-old did however say that European champions Portugal could lookforward to the future with confidence.

“We have a fantastic group, young and with a lot of ambition and for thatreason I think the team will remain strong,” he said.

Ronaldo finished his World Cup campaign with four goals, one adrift ofEngland’s Harry Kane who leads the standings with five.

Earlier, Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he hoped Ronaldo would remainpart of the international set-up.

“Cristiano still has a lot to give to football and I hope he will stay tohelp the young players grow and develop,” he said.

“We have a team with many young players and of course we all want him therewith us.”