Cristiano Ronaldo issues statement after Portugal’s World Cup 2022 exit

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will never turn his back on playing for Portugal following their World Cup exit.

A 1-0 defeat to tournament surprise packed Morocco saw Portugal crash out at the quarter-final stage, a game which saw Ronaldo start on the bench for the second successive time.

Ronaldo was introduced early in the second half but was unable to make much of an impact on the game as Portugal toiled to defeat. The 37-year-old was visibly distraught at full-time and went straight down the tunnel.

But Ronaldo, whose tournament started with the fallout from an explosive interview hitting out at Manchester United and ended amid rumours of a falling out with Portugal coach Fernando Santos, has vowed to continue giving his all for his country.

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

"I battled for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 presences that I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave it my all.

"I left everything on the pitch. I never gave up the fight or dream. Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. It is not worth reacting too hot. I just want everyone to know that much has been said, much has been written, much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has never changed for an instant.

"I was always one more person fighting for everyone’s goal and I would never turn my back on my teammates 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 allow history to tell the story and for each one to draw their own conclusions."