World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Portugal retirement after World Cup exit

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 December 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo hints that his international career is over following Portugal's exit in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his international career is over following Portugal's quarter-final loss to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.

Fernando Santos's side were the favourites to overcome Morocco to reach the final four of the competition, but a goal from Youssef En-Nesyri late in the first period saw the African nation triumph.

Ronaldo was again named on the bench for the last-eight affair, having been left out of the XI against Switzerland in the round of 16, where his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored three times.

The 37-year-old managed to score in Portugal's tournament opener against Ghana, but he then drew blanks against Uruguay, South Korea, Switzerland and Morocco.

Ronaldo's future at club level is currently unclear, as he had his contract terminated by Manchester United at the end of November following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm up before the match on December 6, 2022 © Reuters

The attacker was distraught at the end of the defeat to Morocco on Saturday, and he has hinted that his time with Portugal is now over.

"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," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

"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.

"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.

Cristiano Ronaldo scores a penalty for Portugal against Ghana at the World Cup on November 24, 2022 © Reuters

"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."

Ronaldo debuted for Portugal in 2003, and he is the most-capped player in their history with 196, in addition to their leading goalscorer with 118.

A 19-year international career could now be about to end, with the forward potentially making the decision to concentrate on club football.

Ronaldo is believed to be desperate to continue his career in Europe, but it is believed that the only serious interest at this point has arrived from Saudi Arabia.