dpa
Berlin
Cristiano Ronaldo has poured out his feelings after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup in Qatar following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Saturday.
“Winning a World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” he wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, this dream ended yesterday.”
As if saying goodbye to his time with the national team, Ronaldo said the dream of winning a World Cup was “beautiful while it lasted” and that he “fought very hard” for it.
“I gave everything on the pitch. I never said no to the fight and never gave up this dream,” he wrote.
Ronaldo played his fifth World Cup at the tournament in Qatar, but was benched in the last 16 against Switzerland and again in the quarter-final against Morocco.
Many speculated he was being punished by coach Fernando Santos for his bad attitude when substituted in the last group game against South Korea.
Santos denied this and said his decision was purely based on what was best for Portugal.
Ronaldo stressed that his dedication to the national team “hasn’t changed not even for a moment. I was always just another one fighting for our goal and I would never turn my back to my team-mates and my nation.”
The player, who’s currently without a club after leaving Manchester United, didn’t make it clear whether he will continue playing for Portugal.
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before the 2022 World Cup after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner heavily criticised the club.
He started each of his country’s three group games at the tournament before manager Fernando Santos dropped him to the bench for the win over Switzerland.
Portuguese publication Record claimed Ronaldo threatened to leave the tournament after being told he would not start against Switzerland, but the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and Santos denied that had happened.
“I just want everyone to know that a lot was said, a lot was written, a lot was speculated, but my dedication to Portugal didn’t change for an instant,” Ronaldo added.
“I was always one more player fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my team-mates and my country.
“For now, there’s not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar.
“The dream was beautiful while it lasted... Now, we have to let time be a good adviser and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions.”
