Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to collect a World Cup trophy has slipped through his fingers.
Portugal dropped out of the 2022 tournament in Qatar thanks to a Morocco goal just before the halftime break. Following the shock defeat, Ronaldo was seen in tears as he made his way to the locker room.
The superstar started the quarterfinal match from the bench yet again. After being named in the starting lineup in the team’s opening three matches, head coach Fernando Santos opted to bring Ronaldo on as a late substitute in the two knockout round matches.
Star displayed united front despite being dropped
Despite rumors that Ronaldo may quit the team, the superstar posted a unifying message on Instagram this week. “A group too united to be broken by external forces,” Ronaldo stated. “A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any opponent. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe us! Go ahead, Portugal!”
Ronaldo’s future is very much up in the air now that Portugal’s World Cup run is over.
At 37, this was most likely the star’s last chance to collect the elusive gold statue. While he has won a plethora of trophies during his career, Ronaldo has never found triumph at the World Cup. The striker will be 41 by the time the next tournament comes back.
Ronaldo is currently without club
The Portugal captain’s club career also currently hangs in the balance. He was recently released by Manchester United by mutual consent following a series of outbursts. There have been reports of a massive offer from a Saudi Arabian team, but nothing has been agreed just yet.
While Santos will potentially soon be fired, Portugal’s loss on Saturday could very have been Ronaldo’s last appearance for his country in a major tournament. A decision on his club future should now be straightened out.
Besides the big money move to the Middle East, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and a few Major League Soccer teams could be an option for the star.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
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