The 2022 World Cup will go down as one of the most turbulent times in Cristiano Ronaldo's career.
Holder at the start of the World Cup, the striker and captain of Portugal left his club Manchester United, became a substitute and could not avoid elimination in the quarter-finals, by surprising Morocco on Saturday (1-0).
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"
Winning the World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career
," admitted Ronaldo, 37, in a message posted on Instagram.
“
Unfortunately, this dream has come to an end
”, regrets the top scorer in the history of national selections (118 goals in 196 selections).
“
Fortunately, I have won many titles with an international dimension, including for Portugal,
positive Ronaldo, winner of Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.
The five times I have participated in World Cups in 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I have given everything.
I gave everything on the field.
I have never turned my back on combat and I have never given up on this dream.
»
Will Ronaldo play Euro 2024?
The captain of the Seleção has been the subject of rumors since his exit from the Portuguese starting lineup, on the occasion of the round of 16 against Switzerland (6-1 victory).
The local press maintained that he had threatened to leave Qatar in the middle of the tournament.
"
My dedication to Portugal has not changed for a moment,"
Ronaldo swears.
I have always fought for everyone's goal and I will never turn my back on my teammates and my country.
»
Aged 37 (38 in February) and currently without a club, the five-time Ballon d'Or has given no indication as to the rest of his career.
Last September, he claimed to have Euro 2024 in his sights.
Since then, his sporting performance has declined and his status in Portugal has been turned upside down.
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