Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo called the bitter end to the World Cup in Qatar a dream that has ended. After the 0-1 defeat to Morocco in the quarter-finals, he shared his disappointment on social media today and left the future open. Although he became a substitute in the knockout stages, his commitment to the national team did not change for a moment.
“Winning the World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many trophies of an international dimension, including for Portugal, but getting our country’s name on the biggest trophy in the world was my biggest dream. Unfortunately, it ended yesterday.” wrote the 37-year-old Ronaldo, who with the national team won the European Championship in 2016 or the premier edition of the League of Nations three years later.
“I fought hard for my dream. In five World Cups over the course of 16 years, in which I scored every time, always alongside great players and with the support of millions of Portuguese people, I gave it my all,” concluded Ronaldo, who after the end of his contract in Manchester United out of contract.
In Qatar, he was watched all the more precisely because of the end in the English club after criticism of the management and the coach. In addition, he was dropped from the starting line-up and left the field in tears after the defeat against Morocco. He leaves the future open.
“I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated about, but my commitment to Portugal has not changed for a moment,” said the former Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid and Juventus Turin player.
In Qatar, he only scored in the opening match against Ghana. Coach Fernando Santos replaced him after an hour of the third match against Korea, which he was unhappy about.
Santos did not like Ronaldo’s irritated reaction, but according to him, they talked about the situation. Against Switzerland, however, Ronaldo was missing from the starting line-up at a major tournament for the first time since 2008, according to the coach for tactical reasons. In the quarter-finals against Morocco, he also only intervened in the second half.
“I have always been one to fight for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country. Not much to add for now. Thank you Portugal. Thank you Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted…” he stated Ronaldo, who with 118 goals is the world’s all-time leading national team scorer.
