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A host of sports icons and celebrities worldwide have reacted to Ronaldo's heartfelt message to his 512 million followers on Instagram following Portugal's World Cup exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a lengthy heartfelt statement on Instagram less than 24 hours after Portugal were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
Portugal were defeated 1-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, November 10, 2022, in what was almost Ronaldo's last ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
The 37-year-old Portuguese legend scored eight goals in 22 games across five editions of football’s greatest showpiece but was unable to achieve the dream of lifting the famous trophy.
In a statement on Sunday, Ronaldo expressed his disappointment at falling short on the biggest stage of all via his official Instagram account.
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However, the iconic striker also said he was proud of an international career that had seen him win a record-tying 196 caps, as well as helping to deliver European glory to Portugal, both at Euro 2016 and in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
He also addressed the reports earlier this month,that he had threatened to leave the Portugal squad in Qatar after being benched for his side's 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16.
Portugal FA also denied the reports and Ronaldo reiterated in his statement that his "dedication to Portugal has not changed not for a moment".
The full statement, translated from Portuguese, read: "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 5 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 yesterday 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, 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... Now, it's hoping that the weather will be good advisor and allow each one to draw their own conclusions."
Social Media Reactions
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Ronaldo's statement received more than 7 million likes on Instagram in under an hour.
It also drew comments from many famous names, including Pele and LeBron James amongst many others.
Brazilian soccer legend Pele replied: "Thank you for making us smile my friend".
NBA icon LeBron James added: "LEGEND!!"
While France and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe also showed appreciation to the Portugal great.
Popular Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx commented: ‘We Love you’
Women’s football great Marta Silva also commented: ‘Idolo’
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Former Brazil striker Pato commented: ‘You are an example! You inspire the people and children around the world. The same ones that criticize you are the ones who want the same success as you! You are a giant! Congratulations’
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Meanwhile some Nigerian celebrities also reacted to Ronaldo’s message including popular music mogul and MAVIN records boss Don Jazzy, as well as Instagram skit maker Taaooma, and even Nollywood actress Chinonso Arubayi, amongst others.
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