Cristiano Ronaldo’s tearful trudge from the Al-Thumama Stadium marked the end of a long and unsuccessful pursuit of international football’s biggest prize.
The 37-year-old, relegated to Portugal's bench for the knockout stages, was unable to conduct another rescue act for his nation as they crashed out of the World Cup to Morocco. That defeat will almost certainly ensure Ronaldo’s illustrious and trophy-laden career will end without the one he craved most.
But what their premature exit in Qatar has afforded the free agent, is an extra week to formulate plans for the remainder of his club career. His acrimonious Manchester United exit dominated the headlines prior to the tournament and his search for a new club is likely to do the same after the ticker-tape falls in Doha on Sunday.
