Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to collect a World Cup trophy has gotten way out of hand.
Portugal withdrew from the 2022 tournament in Qatar thanks to a Moroccan goal just before the half-time break. After the shock defeat, Ronaldo was seen crying as he made his way to the locker room.
The superstar started the quarterfinal match off the bench once again. After being named in the starting lineup in the team’s first three games, head coach Fernando Santos opted to bring in Ronaldo as a late substitute in both knockout round games.
Star showed a united front despite being eliminated
Despite rumors that Ronaldo could leave the team, the superstar posted a unifying message on Instagram this week. “Too close a group to be destroyed by outside forces,” Ronaldo said. “A nation too brave to be scared off by any opponent. A team in the strictest sense of the word, that will fight for the dream until the end! Trust us! Forward, Portugal!
Ronaldo’s future is very much up in the air now that Portugal’s World Cup run is over.
At 37, this was probably the star’s last chance to pick up the elusive gold statue. Although he has won a host of trophies during his career, Ronaldo has never triumphed in the World Cup. The striker will be 41 years old when he returns next tournament.
Ronaldo is currently without a club
The Portugal captain’s club career also hangs in the balance. He was recently released by Manchester United by mutual consent after a series of outbursts. There have been reports of a massive offer from a Saudi Arabian team, but nothing has been agreed yet.
While Santos could be sacked soon, Portugal’s loss on Saturday could have been Ronaldo’s last appearance for his country in a major tournament. Now a decision must be made about the future of his club.
In addition to the big money move to the Middle East, Chelsea, Newcastle United and some Major League Soccer teams could be options for the star.
Photo credit: IMAGO/Xinhua
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