Cristiano Ronaldo speaks for the first time since Portugal’s shock World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken for the first time since Portugal’s surprise exit from the World Cup at the hands of Morocco.

Morocco became the first African – and Arab – country to reach the World Cup semi-finals after beating Portugal 1-0. They will face France in the last four. Ronaldo left the stage in floods of tears.

The Portuguese superstar was dropped to the bench for the knockout round clash against Switzerland and then again for Friday’s quarter-final loss to Morocco.

Speculation between the two games had suggested that Ronaldo was so unhappy with Fernando Santos’ decision that he begged to be left at home.

However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker has denied such allegations, professing his love for his country in a moving statement.

“Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” he wrote.

“Fortunately, I have won many international titles, including Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest footing in the world was my biggest dream.

Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the final clash of the tournament

‘I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five matches I scored in the World Cup in 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave it my all. Leave everything on the ground. I never turned my face to fighting and I never gave up on that dream.

‘Unfortunately yesterday (Friday) the dream ended. It is not worth reacting in the heat of the moment. I just want you all to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed for a moment. I have always been a fighter for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country.

‘Not much more to say at this time. Thanks Portugal. Thank you Qatar. The dream was beautiful as long as it lasted… Now, it’s hoping that time will be a good adviser and will allow everyone to draw their own conclusions.’

Ronaldo’s future at the top of the world game is now in serious doubt. The Portuguese was indeed forced to force his own exit from Manchester United after being left out of Erik ten Hag’s first team.

The Portugal boss refused to be drawn on whether or not he would quit after their exit

Meanwhile, Fernando Santos has underlined the future of the Portuguese national team by not selecting Ronaldo for any of their knockout matches in the current World Cup.

Santos, explaining ahead of their last 16 clash with Morocco how conversations had gone with Ronaldo ahead of the game against Switzerland, said his most recognizable player was not happy to hear he had been abandoned – basically for the good of the team.

“So this conversation had to happen,” Santos said as he revealed he had informed Ronaldo in advance that he wouldn’t be starting. “I don’t do that with all the players. But it’s the captain.

“I had a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. We talked about the Portugal team but the only conversation I had was before the game against Switzerland to tell him why he was going to be a substitute.

Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s two knockout matches at the Qatar World Cup

“I told him he wasn’t going to start the round of 16. He wasn’t happy with the conversation, as is normal. But it was a normal conversation where everyone showed their point of view.

“When a player is captain of Portugal and starts on the bench, it is normal that he is not happy. When I told him that I was not going to play as a starter, he asked me if he was a good idea.

“Of course he was not happy. But I assure you he never wanted to leave.

In his post-match interview after seeing his team knocked out by relative minnows Morocco, Santos said he had no regrets about not starting Ronaldo.

“I don’t regret (leaving Ronaldo on the bench),” coach Santos told a press conference on Saturday.

“It wouldn’t change anything, in terms of the team, I can’t think with my heart.

“I used the team that played very well against Switzerland and there was no reason to change it (against Morocco).

“The strategic decision I had to make was one of the most difficult, but I can’t think with my heart, I have to think with my head.

“It’s not that Ronaldo isn’t a great player anymore, it has nothing to do with it.”