Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he considered quitting the national team permanently after a disappointing end to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The legendary striker was part of the Portugal team that played in Qatar last year. The forward started the tournament as Portugal’s leading man up front and scored in their 3-2 win over Ghana to become the first player to score in five World Cups. He has played in every edition of the tournament since 2006.
But after the group stage, Portugal coach Fernando Santos elected to play Benfica forward Gonçalo Ramos up front. The young forward repaid his coach’s faith in him by scoring a hattrick in a 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16.
He was again dropped in the quarter-finals as Morocco beat Portugal. The decision by coach Santos and his treatment of Ronaldo led to speculation that the iconic forward would leave the national team. But Ronaldo has so far remained with the national team and has even been called up by new Portugal coach Roberto Martinez for the upcoming games.
However, Ronaldo has admitted that the situation at the World Cup led to him considering his Portugal future.
Speaking to the press, the 38-year-old revealed that but is happy to be back in the national team set-up and working with new manager Roberto Martinez.
“I’m not going to lie. In our life, we have to put everything on the scale,’ Ronaldo said.
“We thought, we reflected, me and my family, but then we came to the conclusion that, despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel. I was able to see situations at different angles. I learned a lot from that.
“I’m glad to be back. Roberto Martinez showed that he counted on me. I’ve always wanted to play. As you know, he talked to everyone and to me, too. And I was able to realise that I have a lot to give to the national team. I feel it, I want it, and my desire is to take Portugal to the highest level. I will always give my contribution when they need me.
“There are a lot of different players, possibly, the system will change, but it’s not for me to talk about it. Changes are good in life. What we feel in the national team is very positive. It feels like something special and positive. The intensity is very good, it’s different. I’m sure the national team will be prepared for whatever comes. I’m sure Portugal will be a team with more attacking.”
