Cristiano Ronaldo got emotional during the Portuguese national anthem ahead of their FIFA World Cup Group H match against Ghana.
The 37-year-old had featured in four World Cups before today’s match against Ghana, having made his debut in 2006.
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended earlier this week after he chose to give a contentious interview to Piers Morgan.
All eyes were on Ronaldo today, as he stepped to the pitch for the first time since his controversial exit from Manchester United.
Though the veteran feels he can still compete at the top level, this is likely to be his final international tournament because he will be 39 by the time the European Championships arrive in 2024.
That was probably on Ronaldo’s mind as he made his fifth and possibly last appearance at the World Cup today.
Ronaldo posed for the national anthems and was clearly moved.
He sang it proudly and passionately, yet he looked to be on the verge of tears as it began.
Cristiano Ronaldo cries while singing the Portuguese national anthem.💔 pic.twitter.com/KlfuJdlsUk
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) November 24, 2022
The forward was visibly upset when his country’s anthem was played, and he could be seen crying at the end.
Ronaldo has made 192 appearances for his country and is their all-time leading scorer with 117 goals.
Ronaldo’s greatest finish with his country is a semi-final appearance in 2006.
He did, however, lead his side to victory at Euro 2016, when they defeated France in Paris.
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Portugal has been placed in Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea.
While they won the European Championships in 2016, they have not advanced past the round of 16 in the World Cup since 2006, when they reached the semi-finals.
The match against Ghana comes only days after Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated.
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