After Portugal’s World Cup loss to Morocco on Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar might be his last.
The Portuguese team suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the African team. Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in the 43rd minute thanks to a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.
However, the defeat dealt a heavy blow to Ronaldo’s long-term goal of winning the World Cup. Ronaldo sobbed as he walked off the field to the dressing room following his team’s elimination from the World Cup.
The legend said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Sunday,
“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 to 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.”
He, on the other hand, thanked his supporters and hoped that the future would be kind to him. “Not much more to say for now,” he added. Thank you very much, Portugal. Thank you very much, Qatar. The dream was enjoyable while it lasted; now, let us hope that the weather will be a good advisor and allow each of us to draw our own conclusions.”
The 37-year-old has won every major European title, including the UEFA Euro in 2016. He holds five prestigious Ballon d’Or awards and is the male footballer with the most goals (819).
