CNN
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A day after pulling out of the 2022 World Cup in tears after his chances of winning the tournament for the first time in his career were dashed, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo said bringing a World Cup title to Portugal was “the biggest dream”. and ambition”. his career but “the dream that lasted him was beautiful.”
Portugal were shocked 1-0 by Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
“Winning the World Cup in Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
“Fortunately, I have won many international titles, including Portugal, but putting our country’s name at the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.
“I fought for it. I fought a lot for that dream. I gave my all in the 5 times I was present at the World Cups in 16 years, always next to great players and supported by millions of Portuguese. I left everything on the field. I never shied away from the struggle and I never gave up on this dream of mine.”
It could be the 37-year-old’s last appearance at the World Cup. He started Portugal’s round of 16 and quarter-final matches after being appointed by the team’s coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo continued: “Unfortunately, that dream ended yesterday. There is no benefit to the thermal reaction. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated, but my loyalty to Portugal has not changed for a second. I was always alone [person] I fight for everyone’s goal and I will never give up on my comrades and my country.”
Brazilian football great Pelé and Ronaldo’s two sisters were among the many to comment on his post.
“Thanks for making us smile, my friend,” wrote Pelé.
Ronaldo’s sister Elma Aveiro said, “Of course my love, you gave your heart to Portugal.”
His other sister, Katia Aveiro, added one word: “Proud!”
Ronaldo scored eight goals in his 22 World Cup appearances and became the first man to score in five World Cups this year.
However, his sacking by Santos and his recent cancellation of his contract with Manchester United, which was announced just after the start of the World Cup, certainly overshadowed Ronaldo’s time in Qatar 2022, a tournament in which he scored only one goal. .
“For now, we have nothing more to say,” he added. “Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was sweet while it lasted… Now, we wait to see what time will tell and let everyone draw their own conclusions.
