Cristiano Ronaldo accepts his most ambitious dream of winning the World Cup with Portugal is over, but has held off from making a definitive call over his international future.
Five-time Ballon d Or winner Ronaldo left the field in tears on Saturday following Portugal s shock 1-0 quarter-final loss to Morocco at Al Thumama Stadium.
The 37-year-old made history in Qatar by becoming the first player to score in five separate World Cups, having netted in each edition since 2006.
However, that landmark goal – a penalty against Ghana in Portugal s opening group match – proved a rare high point in a tournament that ended in frustration and heartbreak.
Ronaldo lost his place in the side and was a second-half substitute in the last-16 win over Switzerland and quarter-final loss to Morocco.
He did not discuss his future after the match, but the free agent took to social media on Sunday to confirm he will not take part in another World Cup.
Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career, he posted on Instagram.
Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.
I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five tournaments I scored in over 16 years, alongside great players and supported by millions of people, I gave my all.
I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream. Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended.
