Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Facebook that his dream of winning the World Cup with Portugal has come to an end. However, he has not announced his retirement from international soccer.
The 37-year-old left the pitch in tears after Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco on Saturday in the quarter-finals.
In his first comments since that match, Ronaldo wrote on Sunday that it was time to “take note” of what happened, without explicitly saying whether he wants to continue playing for Portugal.
“There is no point in reacting hastily,” wrote Ronaldo. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot has been written, a lot of guesswork has been made, but my dedication to Portugal has never wavered for a moment. »
“I’ve always been just a [Portugais] more who fights to achieve everyone’s goal. I would never turn my back on my teammates or my country. »
The top scorer in the history of men’s soccer with 118 goals, Ronaldo said putting Portugal “at the highest level in the world” was his biggest dream.
“In my five World Cup appearances in 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave it my all,” he wrote. I left everything I had on the pitch. I will never back down from a battle and I have never given up on this dream. Unfortunately, this dream ended yesterday. »
Ronaldo wrote that he would “let everyone draw their own conclusions”. “At this time, there is little to add. Thanks to Portugal. Thanks to Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted. »
The next major tournament will be Euro 2024.
Ronaldo will be 41 when the 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.