Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was nervous about his international future as he reacted to his side’s exit from the World Cup after defeat by Morocco.
The 37-year-old forward was in tears as he returned to the dressing room after the 1-0 quarter-final loss.
Ronaldo played as a substitute, also coming off the bench in the last 16 win over Switzerland.
“Winning the World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and biggest dream of my career,” he wrote on social media.
“Unfortunately, the dream ended yesterday [Saturday].”
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement ahead of the 2022 World Cup after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner slammed the club.
He started each of his country’s three group games at the tournament before manager Fernando Santos left him on the bench for the win over Switzerland.
Portuguese publication Record claimed Ronaldo had threatened to quit the tournament after he would not start against Switzerland, but the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and Santos have denied this.
“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 second,” Ronaldo added.
“I was always another player who fought for everyone’s cause and I will never turn my back on my teammates and my country.
“For now, there’s not much to say. Thank you, Portugal, thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now, we have to be good advisors to time and to each his own.” Allow for conclusions to be drawn.”
