(Lisbon) Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to “react hotly” but hopes that everyone “will draw their conclusions” after the elimination of Portugal on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the World Cup by Morocco, he said on Sunday in a message published on social networks.
“Let’s hope the weather is good and allows everyone to draw their conclusions,” wrote Ronaldo on his Instagram account.
“Winning the World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. […]. I fought a lot for this dream” but “unfortunately the dream ended yesterday”, regretted the Portuguese star.
Portugal was eliminated on Saturday by Morocco (1-0). Cristiano Ronaldo left the stadium collapsed and shaking with tears.
PHOTO THANASSIS STAVRAKIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The 37-year-old, who was participating in his fifth World Cup, did not speak of international retirement but the last two games played by Portugal in Qatar, started on the bench, showed that the generation shift was underway.
The non-establishment of the star for the round of 16 against Switzerland has sparked controversy. According to the Portuguese press, Ronaldo had threatened to leave the group, but the Portuguese coach Fernando Santos had denied.
“There is no need to react hotly. I want everyone to know that despite all that has been said, all that has been written, all of the speculation, that my dedication has never wavered […]. I will never turn my back on my teammates and my country, ”assured the five-time Ballon d’Or on Sunday.
And to add: “For the moment, there is not much more to say… the dream was beautiful as long as it lasted…”
The plane, with some of the Portuguese players, landed at the end of the afternoon in Lisbon where dozens of people came to welcome the Seleçao.
This welcome “is very pleasant. It’s recognition from the Portuguese,” said coach Fernando Santos, who is due to speak with the Portuguese Football Federation soon about his future.
Asked about Ronaldo, who still remained in Qatar, Pepe, who suffered a left arm injury in Saturday’s game, stressed that the star striker was “fine”.
“I want to thank him, as well as all my teammates who gave their all,” replied the 39-year-old player as he left the airport.