Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was coy about his international future as he reacted to his side’s exit from the World Cup following the loss to Morocco.
The 37-year-old striker was in tears as he walked into the dressing room after the 1-0 quarter-final.
Ronaldo featured as a substitute, having also come off the bench in the last 16 win over Switzerland.
“Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” he wrote on social media.
“Unfortunately, yesterday [Saturday] the dream is over.”
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before the 2022 world cup after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner strongly criticized the club.
He started each of his country’s three group matches at the tournament before manager Fernando Santos dropped him to the bench for the win over Switzerland.
Portuguese publication Record claimed Ronaldo threatened to quit the tournament after learning he wouldn’t start against Switzerland, but against the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and Santos. denied what had happened.
“I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal hasn’t changed for a moment,” added Ronaldo.
“I was always one more player fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country.
“For now, there is not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now we have to let the time to be a good adviser and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions.” .”
