Ronaldo hints at international retirement following FIFA World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at international retirement following Portugal's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2022 after a shocking 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-final on Saturday.

Ronaldo came on in the second half but had no effect, and Portugal left Qatar in turmoil.  

In what is very certainly going to be his final FIFA World Cup campaign, Ronaldo struck an emotional figure as he walked straight down the tunnel in tears after seeing his dream come to an end.

Following the disappointing exit, the striker now hinted at international retirement as he penned a heartbreaking note on Instagram.

"Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country's name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream.

"I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream," he wrote.

"Sadly yesterday the dream ended It's not worth reacting to heat. 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 hasn't changed for a moment. I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues 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, it's time to be a good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions."

In the past three weeks, Ronaldo has received a lot of attention. His time at Manchester United came to an end after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, leaving him without a club.

At the FIFA World Cup, he was benched for Portugal's last two clashes against Switzerland and Morocco.

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