Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was caught on camera holding back tears ahead of their World Cup clash against Ghana, but fans haven't been too sympathetic.
Ronaldo was recently made a free agent after his contract with Manchester United was terminated, making him only the second player in World Cup history to be without a club. Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer for some time given his age, and fans are convinced it could finally happen after leaving United.
Although Ronaldo was keen to give an unsanctioned interview to Piers Morgan, which effectively led to his contract termination, he was still an emotional figure as he finally lined up to do what he does best - play ball. But some fans have mocked him, joking that his tears are because he is soon to be heading to MLS.
Ronaldo has been linked with a move to the United States for some time, and would undoubtedly be the greatest player to ever grace the league. Legends such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have played in MLS, with former team-mate Gareth Bale now a MLS Cup champion with Los Angeles FC.
But Inter Miami have shown the most interest in Ronaldo, with the club owned by Beckham, and with former United team-mate Phil Neville in charge. Ronaldo is free to sign for any team now he is a free agent, and Miami are still looking for a new designated player after Gonzalo Higuain retired.
However, fans have used the links to mock Ronaldo, and even take a swipe at Neville. Upon seeing Ronaldo with tears in his eyes, one Twitter user posted a picture of the image, and wrote: "When you realise you might be managed by Phil Neville next season."
And it's fair to say that Ronaldo didn't have the best start to their World Cup opener, with the 37-year-old's lack of pace finally showing after being lightning quick for two decades. However, he certainly turned it around in the second half, scoring from the penalty spot to become the first ever player to score at five World Cup's.
Despite this, fans think it's time for Ronaldo to move further west, with one fan saying: "I think its time Ronaldo goes to the MLS." "Ronaldo is MLS ready," another agreed, while another manifested: "Welcome to MLS, Ronaldo." Ronaldo was denied a first-half goal on his emotional return, with eagle-eyed fans noticing that referee Ismail Elfath is a regular official in MLS.
Elfath was voted MLS referee of the year for his efforts, and has been called up to officiate World Cup games as a result. And now fans are wanting to see a Elfath and Ronaldo reunion in MLS.
Ronaldo was denied a goal as the referee called for a foul in the build-up, something that didn't exactly go down well with the Portugal captain. However, he pointed to the spot in the second half, giving Ronaldo his big moment. They could share the same field on a regular basis if Ronaldo does decide to move to Miami.
It would take an almighty offer from the MLS side, especially as Ronaldo is keen to extend his Champions League legacy, a competition only available to the best sides in Europe. But with the MLS season starting in February, Ronaldo could be given a few months to get fit after the World Cup.
