Ronaldo wrote a letter after being disillusioned with the World Cup
The 37-year-old striker opened his heart on social media on December 11 by affirming that his ambition to win the World Cup with Portugal is the biggest dream of his career. He wrote: "I have won many international titles, including with Portugal, but bringing my country to the top of world football has always been the biggest dream."
Ronaldo insists he always fights hard for that dream. He spent five World Cups from 2006 to 2022, side by side with the greatest players and supported by millions of home fans. "I left everything on the pitch, never turned my back on the fight and never gave up the dream of winning," Ronaldo emphasized.
However, the 0-1 defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup on December 10 made that dream shattered. Ronaldo rushed to the tunnel of Lusail yard and then burst into tears when he was close to the dressing room. When he calmed down, he shared that he wanted everyone to understand that what was said, written or speculated over the past time did not change even a little bit of his desire to contribute to the national team. "I've always been someone who fights for the team's goals, never turning my back on my teammates and my country," Ronaldo confided.
Ronaldo, in September, once stated "wants to be in the World Cup 2022 and also Euro 2024". But after the defeat in Qatar, he left open his intention to quit the national team, writing at the end of the letter: "At the moment, there is not much to say. I thank Portugal, thank Qatar. Real dream It's beautiful while it lasts... Now it's time for me to be a good advisor, and allow each person to draw their own conclusions."
Through five consecutive World Cups he attended, Ronaldo played 21 matches, scoring 8 goals - one less than the record of the legendary Eusebio. At Qatar 2022, he scored only one goal from the penalty spot in a 3-2 win over Ghana on the opening day.
The defeat at the 2022 World Cup comes almost a month after Ronaldo gave an interview that shook the world football with Piers Morgan. The 37-year-old superstar was then terminated by Man Utd half a year early right before his opening match with Portugal in Qatar. Currently, Ronaldo is still a free agent, has not closed the next stop.
Witnessing Ronaldo's disappointment, girlfriend Georgina Rdriguez posted a photo with her boyfriend and children. "Always with you in difficult times, because we are family," the Argentinian beauty wrote.
Meanwhile, presenter Piers Morgan expressed sympathy: "It is sad to see Cristiano in tears because his dream of winning the World Cup is shattered. Those who mock Ronaldo need to remember what he did for the ball. For me, Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time, a wonderful guy who just had the hardest year of his life and the pitch.He deserves our respect. ".
