Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo said he is still dedicated to the national team despite the team’s exit from the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 after the side’s 1-0 loss against Morocco in the quarterfinal. Ronaldo said he will never turn his back on his teammates and his country.
The veteran was not included in the starting XI by Portugal’s manager Fernando Santos in the big match. He was introduced in the 51st minute by Santos against Morocco but couldn’t make the difference.
In fact, Ronaldo didn’t start against Switzerland in the Round of 16, and his replacement Goncalo Ramos went on to score a hat-trick. Thus, Santos once again backed Ramos against Morocco and the gaffer revealed he had ‘no regrets’ about benching Ronaldo in the quarterfinal clash.
“I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed for a moment,” Ronaldo said in a Facebook post.
“I was always one more person fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country.”
However, Ronaldo didn’t reveal his future plans with Portugal. Ronaldo had earlier said he wants to play for the national team till the 2024 Euro Championships.
“For now, there’s not much more to say. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted… Now, we have to let time be a good adviser and allow everyone to draw their own conclusions.”
Meanwhile, it was recently reported Ronaldo could join Saudi’s club Al Nassr after his contract was terminated by Manchester United following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. However, the talisman went on to deny such reports.
