After losing 1-0 to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals in Qatar, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has remained vague about his future in the national team.
At Al Thumama Stadium, striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game-winning goal in the first half by leaping highest and outjumping goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball.
Ronaldo climbed off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men’s all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not find the equaliser as their last-four hopes were dashed.
“To win a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career,” he wrote on social media.
“Unfortunately, yesterday [Saturday] the dream ended.”
“I just want everyone to know that a lot was said, a lot was written, a lot was speculated, but my dedication to Portugal didn’t change for an instant,” the 37-year-old added.
“I was always one more player fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my team-mates and my country.
“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.”
Walid Regragui’s men will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.