Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey is over, ending in Dallas in tears after Mikel Merino’s injury-time goal sent Portugal’s neighbours through at their expense. It was a gut-wrenching exit for the 41-year-old, who had already declared this would be his final World Cup.
Ronaldo’s career numbers are staggering — five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles, a Euro 2016 winner’s medal, and a world-record 976 goals for club and country across a record six World Cups. Yet the closest he has come to lifting the game’s biggest prize remains Portugal’s semi-final run at his debut tournament in 2006.
When asked whether he would continue representing his country, Ronaldo stopped short of announcing his international retirement. “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head,” he said. Whether Portugal’s squad selection — and the pressure to start the Al-Nassr forward in each game — contributed to their exit is a question that will linger.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton, who was in Texas for BBC Radio 5 Live, had a blunt verdict. “He’s waddling around the field like a grandad, that’s why Portugal are out,” the former England striker said. “Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.”
Martinez himself announced his departure from the job immediately after the final whistle, but spoke warmly of his captain. “We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup,” the manager said. “His dream was to win this World Cup, he did this with an amazing example. He is a prime example of football and the human being that is behind that athlete.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
