Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed that his aspiration of achieving a World Cup victory for Portugal has come to a close, following his team’s devastating defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Following a span of 19 years, the captain from Portugal has admitted that his long-awaited pursuit of a World Cup championship has finally come to an end. In a heartfelt message to his supporters on his Instagram social media profile on Sunday, he tactfully avoided discussing his anticipated retirement.
Ronaldo, a defiant figure, stated that he had a hard-fought tournament for his country. Portugal was eliminated by Morocco, marking the first time they were knocked out.
“Securing a World Cup for Portugal was the greatest and most ambitious aspiration of my profession,” Ronaldo penned.
After an unexpected and momentous triumph by a team hailing from Africa, a photograph capturing a disheartened Ronaldo leaving the field followed suit. The post featured the accompanying image.
“Included the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, “There is no purpose in responding hastily.” “For a moment, my loyalty to Portugal has always remained steadfast, but much has been speculated, much has been written, much has been said, everyone should be aware that I simply desire.”
In Ghana, Ronaldo scored Portugal’s initial goal in their first 3-2 victory after becoming the sole male player to net at five distinct World Cups in Qatar. Before the defeat, he had achieved a historic feat.
Ronaldo declared, “I have never given up on that dream and I will never back down from a battle. I have left everything on the pitch,” Ronaldo stated. “I have always played alongside great players and have been supported by millions of Portuguese, throughout my 16-year career with five appearances in the World Cups.”
However, he added: “Regrettably, that aspiration came to an end yesterday.”
Following Qatar, the 37-year-old has participated in his fifth World Cup and there is widespread anticipation of his retirement from international football. However, Ronaldo has not made any explicit statements regarding his future.
During the group stages of the tournament, he angrily reacted to being substituted against South Korea, apparently after Switzerland’s dominant 6-1 victory over Portugal, the head coach of the team, Fernando Santos, chose to bench Ronaldo.
Portugal ultimately dismissed those reports. According to subsequent rumors, the Seleção das Quinas had contemplated withdrawing from the iconic football star during the elimination round in Qatar.
During the second half of the game, Ronaldo was replaced. Santos, who had benched Ronaldo in the previous match against Morocco on Saturday, started Goncalo Ramos, a 21-year-old player who scored three goals in the clash with Switzerland, as his substitute.
“I’ve always been just one more [Portuguese] striving for everyone’s objective,” Ronaldo stated in his Instagram message.
“I would never betray my teammates or my country.”
Ronaldo stated that he intended to “allow each person to form their own opinions.”
He wrapped up his post by expressing gratitude to Portugal and the host country Qatar.
The dream was exquisite for the duration it endured. Qatar, I express my gratitude towards you. Portugal, I extend my appreciation to you. There is not a great deal more to articulate. At least for the present time.