Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo confessed to being a broken man on Wednesday after his side's 1-0 defeat to Iberian rivals Spain in their World Cup Last 16 match on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid star - who once again failed to live up to his club form for his country at a major championships - said he felt a deep sadness at the exit at the hands of the European champions, who progressed to a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay thanks to David Villa's fourth goal of the tournament.
"I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," he said in a statement released on the website of Gestifute, which is owned by his agent.
Ronaldo, whose side failed to score in three of their four matches save a 7-0 humbling of North Korea where he ended his near two year goal drought, also denied he insulted coach Carlos Queiroz.
He refused to answer questions save to remark to a TV crew 'How can I explain it (the defeat)? Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz'.
{{/usCountry}}He refused to answer questions save to remark to a TV crew 'How can I explain it (the defeat)? Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz'.
{{/usCountry}}Ronaldo, who ended up trophyless at Real Madrid last season after his 94million euros transfer from Manchester United, was roundly criticised for that and for not assuming his responsibilities as the national captain.
"When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference," said Ronaldo, the 2008 World Footballer of the Year.
"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone.
"I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."