Super Eagles midfielder Austin Okocha says Portugal legend and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, is not destined to win the World Cup after his side suffered a shock defeat to Morocco on Saturday.
The 37-year-old came on in the 51st minute but was unable to change the game’s result, watching helplessly as his country crashed out.
“Oh yes! We have seen it in this tournament. A lot of stars have cried because they knew this could be their last chance of playing in the World Cup,” Okocha told SuperSport TV.
“We saw Luis Suarez and now Ronaldo. What a fantastic career he has had. He is an icon but I mean, some things are not meant to be. I do not think that it was meant for him to win the World Cup because they had everything, but credit to Morocco.”
In an emotional statement, Ronaldo admitted his dream to win the World Cup for Portugal had ended.
“Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including Portugal, but putting our country’s name on the highest foot in the World was my biggest dream.
“I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the five appearances, I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always by the side of great players and supported by millions of Portuguese, I gave my all. Leave it all out on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
“Sadly, on Saturday, the dream ended. It’s not worth reacting to heat. I just want you all to know that much has been said, much has been written, and much has been speculated, but my dedication to Portugal has not changed, not for a moment. I was always one fighting for the objective of all and I would never turn my back on my colleagues and my country.
“Not much more to say for now. Thank you, Portugal. Thank you, Qatar. The dream was nice while it lasted.”
