Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo speaks for the first time about Portugal's departure from the 2022 World Cup.

The five-time winner of the Golden Ball admitted that during his career he gave all his strength to triumph at the global championship together with the national team, but he could not realize his cherished dream.

In addition, Ronaldo denied media reports that he wanted to leave the national team due to missing the starting lineup.. He assured that he would never betray his teammates and his country.

" I was lucky enough to win many international titles, including with Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest rung in the world was my biggest dream.

I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. During these 5 world championships, which I played for 16 years, always next to the great players and with the support of millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. I left everything on the field. I never avoided the fight and never gave up on this dream.

Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. No need to react hastily. I just want everyone to know that a lot has been said, a lot written, a lot of speculation, but my devotion to Portugal hasn't changed for a second.. I have always been a person who fought for the goal of each of us and I would never turn my back on my teammates and my country..

Until there's nothing more to say. Thank you Portugal. Thank you Qatar. The dream was beautiful while it lasted...Now it's time to let everyone draw their own conclusions," In the 1/4 finals of the 2022 World Cup, the wards of Fernando Santos lost minimally to the national team of Morocco.

The World Cup in Qatar was the fifth in the career of the 37-year-old Ronaldo and, in all likelihood, the last.

After leaving the World Cup, Cristiano left the field with tears in his eyes.