“My dream is over” “I will leave the football world”… 37-year-old Ronaldo has his heart set

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 37), who was rumored to retire, expressed regret over finishing his fifth World Cup in the quarterfinals.

Portugal lost 0-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals against Morocco held at Altumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on the 11th. Portugal, which dreamed of reaching the semifinals for the first time in 16 years, was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo was put in in the 6th minute of the second half when the team was trailing 0-1, but he did not show much performance. In the second half of extra time, he had a solo chance with the goalkeeper, but did not score. After the game ended with the referee’s whistle, Ronaldo went straight to the locker room and burst into tears.

Ronaldo posted a long comment through SNS (social network service). “For Portugal to win the World Cup has been an ambitious dream in my career. (In the meantime) I have won 스포츠토토 many international competitions, including Portugal, but putting Portugal’s name on the top of the world was my biggest dream,” he said.

“I fought hard for that dream. I played 5 World Cups in 16 years, always with great players. I was supported by millions of Portuguese. I left my all on the pitch. I gave it all. Not once. I have never turned away from a fight, nor have I given up on my dream.”

“Unfortunately, that dream ended yesterday,” said Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was rumored to have a disagreement with the national team players as well as the coach. He was unable to start after the group stage and became a bench member who was replaced during the game.

Ronaldo said: “I have always been a person who fights for the goals that everyone wants. I will never turn my back on my friends and my country. I have nothing more to say. Thank you to Portugal and Qatar. As long as the dream lasts. It was good,” he said.

However, there was no direct mention of his retirement. Previously, French media outlets such as L’Equipe reported that Ronaldo expressed his intention to “leave the football world” in the locker room after losing in the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo’s post received 20.2 million ‘likes’. French striker Kylian Mbappe, who reached the quarterfinals, cheered for Ronaldo with a crown and an emoticon with two hands together.