World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo pours out feelings after Portugal exit

Doha, Qatar - Cristiano Ronaldo has poured out his feelings after Portugal's exit from the World Cup in Qatar following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the 2022 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the match as Portugal are eliminated from the 2022 World Cup.  © REUTERS

"Winning a World Cup with Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career," he wrote on Instagram on Sunday. "Unfortunately, this dream ended yesterday."

As if saying goodbye to his time with the national team, Ronaldo said the dream of winning a World Cup was "beautiful while it lasted" and that he "fought very hard" for it.

"I gave everything on the pitch. I never said no to the fight and never gave up this dream," he wrote.

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Ronaldo played his fifth World Cup at the tournament in Qatar, but was benched in the last 16 against Switzerland and again in the quarter-final against Morocco.

Many speculated he was being punished by coach Fernando Santos for his bad attitude when substituted in the last group game against South Korea.

Santos denied this and said his decision was purely based on what was best for Portugal.

Ronaldo stressed that his dedication to the national team "hasn't changed not even for a moment. I was always just another one fighting for our goal and I would never turn my back to my teammates and my nation."

The player, who's currently without a club after leaving Manchester United, didn't make it clear whether he will continue playing for Portugal.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS

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