By Basit Jamiu
Cristiano Ronaldo was heartbroken when his side lost to Morocco in the last 8 of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Saturday.
The global star was in tears as he rushed into the tunnel for a private moment.
The 38-year old had wanted to advance to the semis, and even more, to win the tournament for his country.
In a post match comment on Facebook he said that winning the World Cup was one of his biggest dreams. He also said he had always pursued this dream with everything but admitted that eventually it was not to be.
Controversy and Terminated Contract
Over the past few weeks, and that is even before the start of the tournament, Ronaldo has been at the center of several controversies.
First, it was with his club, Manchester United shortly after his widely shared interview with Piers Morgan.
In it, he spoke about the situation at the club and how he was unfairly treated.
His outburst was not well received by the club. They felt it was disrespectful. The club announced a few days later that his contract had been terminated.
Another controversy was when Ronaldo was left on the bench against Switzerland in the round of 16.
The coach, Fernando Santos had pointed out that he did not like the way Ronaldo reacted when he was subbed off in their final group stage match against South Korea.
For the Portuguese coach it was a case of poor attitude similar to what Ten Hag also complained about in recent times.
Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream
Piers Morgan had asked in the aforementioned interview if Ronaldo would retire if he wins the world cup. He said yes.
What that implies is that the 5-time world best was hoping to exit the footballing world on a high note.
Sadly, as fate would have it, that wish could not be checked off.
Acceptance of an End that is Inevitable
The all time highest goal scorer is obviously struggling to accept that his illustrious career is coming to an end.
It appears that things are not going the way he had planned and it breaks him.
But it must be stated, and that is if it needs to be said over and again, that he is one of the best footballers of all time. Regarded by many football fans as the greatest of all time.
Reactions to Ronaldo’s Exit
Football lovers have reacted differently to Ronaldo’s heartbreaking moment after his side failed to advance to the semi final on December 10.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim wrote on Facebook:
“Unlike some Messi haters wishing tears for the greatest ever, I really did not enjoy seeing Ronaldo in tears. I thought I would, but I didn’t. I recognise it as the final chapter of one of the best players to have played football. One whose drive and determination pushed Messi to the limits. Two decades of greatness for two monsters.”
Aqib Ullah also wrote on Facebook:
“Came with great gusto, made records after records, beat the gravity then all of a sudden, lost his place in his club, lost his child, not given a chance in the first half and lost his last world cup match. Cristiano, the man who’s a story book by himself. We kept on comparing Messi and Ronaldo but the reality is that both are exceptional. If Messi is sober and calm , Ronald impresses with his gravity, attitude and solemn nature.They brought beauty into this game. His last match is reminiscent of Zidane’s.”
Shorob James said:
“Never thought you will end this way.You don’t deserve this. When you went to the tunnel literally I was crying. You have learned one thing at the end of your era and that is when people are in bad times no one cares..everyone forgets their dedication. GoodBye Legend Cristiano Ronaldo.”
End of an Era
To Ronaldo, it was not the most fitting last World Cup but his fans poured their heart out and reassured him that his name has been etched in the book of life.
As speculation intensifies about Ronaldo’s link with Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club, it remains unclear if that would be his next destination. One thing is clear now, the acceptance that a beautiful era has come to an end.
