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In his fifth World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo once again failed to win the one major trophy that has eluded him. Portugal were knocked out of FIFA 2022 with a shocking 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals. Ronaldo came off the bench in the second half after being sidelined for the second consecutive game. There were mixed emotions on the pitch after the referee blew his whistle for the end of the half. While the Moroccans celebrated a stunning victory by becoming the first African national team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, the Portuguese players were stunned and dejected. Images of Ronaldo sobbing through the tunnel have gone viral on the internet, for something that was a sad private moment. Images of a crying Ronaldo melted hearts. For the 37-year-old, this could be his last World Cup appearance, having started the quarter-finals on the bench and subsequently came on as a substitute. Before arriving in Qatar, the footballer gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which ultimately led to his departure from Manchester United. The Portugal star also discussed his retirement and clarified that he was not yet thinking of hanging up his boots. “I want to finish at 40. I think 40 will be a good age … but I don’t know, I don’t know the future,” he said. He also added, “It’s hard to say right now, it’s because, we, my mood is right now towards the World Cup. It’s probably my last World Cup, obviously, my fifth World Cup.” Based on his comments, the 2022 FIFA World Cup looks like his last as he would be 41 years old when the 2026 World Cup comes. Ronaldo was part of the Portuguese squad that won the Euro in 2016. But holding the World Cup trophy now may remain an unfulfilled dream for one of football’s greats.
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