A bitter heartbreak in Qatar, a distressing experience at Manchester United, abandoning the Red Devils; things do not seem to be going Cristiano Ronaldo's way off late.
For the past couple of months, it is only disappointment that has knocked on CR7's door. Ronaldo being benched, and overlooked by Erik Ten Hag, came as a surprise to his fans. Reports of his issues with Erik Ten Hag emerged; the Tottenham win saga remains unforgettable.
Ronaldo, who was benched in the game against Spurs in late October, stormed off before the Tottenham game finished, and opted out of the celebration of the 2-0 win as well.
As a disciplinary action, he was later dropped from the last game vs Chelsea before the World Cup break.
Then the bombshell interview with Piers Morgan was the final nail in the coffin post which the club and the Portuguese hero parted ways on a resentful note.
Come World Cup 2022; Qatar brought hope, his final dance at the grandest stage. In the Piers Morgan interview, the star even said, if he managed to get his hands around the elusive trophy, he would retire immediately.
That, however, did not happen. All the more, the 1-0 quarterfinal defeat came against 34th-ranked team Morocco.
While the Ronaldo-less Navigators crushed Switzerland 6-1 in the pre-quarters, they failed to breach Morocco’s defence in the last 8 encounter.
Fans were shattered, and the footballing hero was shattered too. While the African nation celebrated the historic win, soaked in tears, Ronaldo who made his 196th international appearance, left the ground bereaved.
Was this the last time?
Yes, apparently. His age, 37, is not on his side, his declining graph, getting benched in league football, and in national games, all these depict, the quarterfinal game against Morocco was his final showdown at the World Cup stage, the final possibility of adding that one missing trophy to his elaborate cabinet.
Though the talisman has 2 international trophies with his national team, not winning the football world cup is probably going to haunt him lifelong. However, the focus shifts back to club football!
The 5-time Ballon d’Or champion would now have to give a thorough thought about ‘what next!’Only Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have shown their interest in on boarding the Portugal great. A lucrative 200 million euros/season offer was on the table, only for Ronaldo to reject it!
For, CR7, to maintain his dominance in global football, the formula would be cracking a deal with European takers. While finding that perfect buyer would be tough, if that happens, it might just turn out to be a chart-busting one!
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: 'F*** them' Bruno Fernandes loses cool at officials after loss against Morocco