World Cup dream with Portugal is ‘over’

A day after leaving the pitch in tears in Qatar, Cristiano Ronaldo says his dream of winning the World Cup for Portugal is “over”.

In his first public comments since Portugal were eliminated by quarter-finalist Morocco, the 37-year-old international superstar admitted on social media after Sunday that it was “time to take stock” of his career after 19 years with the national. crew.

“Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. “I fought for it. I fought a lot for this dream. In the five times that I have been present in the World Cup for 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I have given everything.

“I left everything on the pitch. I never walked away from the fight and I never gave up on that dream… Unfortunately that dream ended [Saturday].”

Ronaldo has scored just one goal in Portugal’s five appearances in the tournament – on a penalty kick in the group stage opener against Ghana. He came off the bench in two knockout games after being dropped from the starting line-up by manager Fernando Santos.

Ronaldo became the first player to score in five World Cups, but he may not get another chance in North America in 2026 when he turns 41.

“There is no point in reacting recklessly,” Ronaldo wrote. “I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has never wavered for a moment.

“At the moment, there is not much else to say. Thanks Portugal. Thank you Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now we wait for what the future will tell us and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions.

In the meantime, Ronaldo is without a club team following Manchester United’s termination of his contract last month after criticizing the English Premier League side in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. Reports have indicated that Ronaldo could strike a massive deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr.