12/12/2022–|Last update: 12/12/202210:08 PM (Makkah)
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he still dedicates himself to remain part of his country’s squad despite the World Cup exit in Qatar.
Ronaldo, 37, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the best player in the world, entered the World Cup on a mission to prove he might still make a difference for his country, but ended the competition as a substitute in Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo wrote on his Facebook account, Sunday, “Unfortunately, the dream ended yesterday. I just want you to know that a lot has been said, a lot written and a lot speculated, but my devotion to Portugal has not changed for a moment.
“I have always been one of those who fought for the common goal, and I will never turn my back on my team-mates and my country,” he added.
“Winning the World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many international titles, also with the Portugal national team, but putting the name of our country at the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.”
“I fought for Portugal,” he added. I fought hard for this dream in 5 World Cups over the course of 16 years, always alongside great players and with the support of millions of Portuguese, and I did my best. I have never turned my face to battle, and I have never given up on this dream.”
Before the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo refused to confirm that the World Cup in Qatar would be the last in his international career, and said that he was already looking forward to appearing with his country in the European Championship 2024.
However, he ended his Facebook post today on an ambiguous note, saying, “So far, there isn’t much to say. Thanks, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful as long as it lasted. Now, we must let time be a counsellor, and he will allow everyone to come to their own conclusions.”
Tactically.. What are the reasons for Morocco’s victory over Portugal?
Watch the commentary of sports analyst Hassan El-Beltagy#World_Cup_Qatar_2022 #Morocco _ Portugal pic.twitter.com/9ezV4yHxuT
– Al Jazeera Mubasher (@ajmubasher) December 12, 2022
