Portugal was shocked 1-0 by Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo was seen in tears after the final whistle, however, the football legend has come out to clear the air on a devastating World Cup experience that saw him score just one goal in the tournament.
“To win a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
“Fortunately, I won a lot of titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but to put the name of our country in the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.”
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“I fought for it. I fought a lot for that dream. In the 5 times I was present in World Cups throughout 16 years, always next to great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave it my all. I left everything on the field. I never faced away from the fight and I never gave up on that dream.”
It is likely the 37-year-old’s final appearance at a World Cup. He began Portugal’s round of 16 and quarterfinal games as a substitute after being benched by the team’s coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo continued: “Unfortunately, yesterday that dream ended. There’s no point in reacting hot-headed. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot was written, a lot was speculated, but my dedication to Portugal didn’t change end even for a second”
“I was always just one [person] fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back against my mates and my country.
“For now, there is not much else to add ,Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now, we wait for what time will tell and allow everyone to take their own conclusions.” he concluded.
