IT WAS A DREAM WHILE IT LASTED": CRISTIANO RONALDO'S CRYPTIC INSTAGRAM POST AFTER WORLD CUP LOSS
"IT WAS A DREAM WHILE IT LASTED": CRISTIANO RONALDO'S CRYPTIC INSTAGRAM POST AFTER WORLD CUP LOSS
By Rashmi Goel
Following Portugal's exit from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence, saying that 'the dream has ended'. In Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Morocco, the 37-year-old was part of the Portugal team that was knocked out of the competition.
During the competition, Ronaldo did not play as much as he would have liked after losing his starting position following a fallout with head coach Fernando Santos. While Ronaldo is now in his later years, he refused to discuss whether his international playing career is over, but in a statement on social media, he stated that his 'dedication to Portugal has not changed'.
On Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to share a cryptic message, days after Portugal lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. In the crucial match, Ronaldo came on as a second-half substitute, but he was unable to make an impact as Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half strike enabled Morocco to advance. This is Ronaldo's fifth and probably last World Cup, and he would like to express his gratitude to the people of Portugal who have supported him throughout his career.
One of my greatest and most ambitious career goals was to win the World Cup for Portugal. Aside from winning many titles of international significance, including for Portugal, Ronaldo captioned his post with, "Putting our country on the international stage was my greatest dream."
"It was a dream that I fought hard for. I gave my all in the five appearances that I had scored in World Cups over the last 16 years, always alongside great players and surrounded by millions of Portuguese fans. I did not turn away from the fight and I never gave up on it."
“Yesterday, the dream came to an end. It is not worthwhile reacting hotly. I wish to let everyone know that though much has been said, written, and speculated about, my dedication to Portugal has not changed. I was always one more person fighting for everyone's goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates or my country."
There is not much to add for now. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted. Now, it is time to be a good advisor and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions."
Pele responded to Ronaldo's statement: "Thank you for making us smile my friend," while Kylian Mbappe replied with a crown, praying hands, and goat emoji. As for his future, however, he did not reveal anything.
