Cristiano Ronaldo was the player everybody was talking about heading into the World Cup – for reasons of his own creating.
Ronaldo got what he wanted by forcing his exit from Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag last week confirming the club are looking to put the drama behind them.
The forward gave his total focus to Portugal – but he did not have a good tournament. He scored only one goal, from the penalty spot, and was dropped to the bench by time the knockout stages began.
Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup by surprise package Morocco at the weekend, who have now surged into the semi-finals.
Cristiano Ronaldo message after World Cup KO
Cristiano Ronaldo was pictured in tears walking off the pitch at full-time as his dream of winning the World Cup came to an end.
While possible he could play at the World Cup in 2026 when he will be 41, winning it would surely be impossible, especially if his suddenly rapid decline continues.
The superstar was not happy after the exit – and nor was teammate Bruno Fernandes who blamed an Argentine referee.
Ronaldo’s reflective message did not blame anybody, simply stating that he gave his all, and never gave up.
Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country’s name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream. I fought for it.
I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
Sadly yesterday the dream ended. It’s not worth reacting in the heat. I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed not for a moment. I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country.
Not much more to say for now. Thank you Portugal. Thank you Qatar The dream was nice while it lasted… Now, it’s hoping that the weather will be good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions.
Ronaldo via Instagram
Ronaldo’s next move remains unclear and he will be weighing up his options. It has been sad to see him fade over the past few months, and his performances for Portugal show that Manchester United were not the problem.
It is fair to ask whether Ronaldo was in the right place mentally heading into the tournament, considering the drama surrounding his exit from United and his decision to do his controversial interview right before the World Cup.
Portugal looked better without Ronaldo against Switzerland, but struggled against Morocco, and there will be fierce debate in his homeland whether he should have been left out. With hindsight it’s easy to question the choice.
Reaction to Ronaldo message
Ronaldo is one of the all-time greats, even if he did not live up to it in Qatar. But he is 37, an age where most players are retired, or on the verge of it.
He still commands huge respect, as the all-time international record goalscorer, Champions League record goalscorer, and five-times Ballon d’Or winner.
There was a huge reaction to his message, with sporting greats Pele and LeBron James among those responding to his Instagram post.
Kylian Mbappe also hailed Ronaldo, lauding him as the GOAT – don’t tell his PSG teammate Lionel Messi.
Alejandro Garnacho also showed his respect – the only Manchester United player to respond, incidentally, as did former Red, Jesse Lingard.
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