Following Portugal's 3-2 World Cup victory over Ghana on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo declared that his "chapter is closed" at Manchester United.
Ronaldo scored a penalty to give Portugal the lead in the game's second half, making history in the process. With that goal, Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five different World Cups, a feat that has never been accomplished.
Portugal were involved in a dramatic end to the game but were able to hold on for the win, which puts them top of Group H.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, finishes the week without a club, as Manchester United announced on Tuesday evening that his contract had been terminated in response to his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.
When asked if it had been a difficult week following his United exit, Ronaldo shook his head during the question and replied, "It is important we won."
"It was a week that finished this chapter." It is closed, and now I want to start on the right foot. We started; we won.
‘I could help my team and all the rest doesn’t not matter.’
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva insists Ronaldo has been "great" with his Portugal teammates during their World Cup preparations.
"We are happy to know that we can still count on him," Silva said. "Not just the goal, but he worked a lot for the team." What happens next is his decision. That’s the decision of whoever it is who offers him a contract.
It depends on what he wants. I don’t know what he wants for his life. He has to speak with his family and decide for himself, right?
I support his decision in terms of it being his decision. He’s my teammate in Portugal – if he’s happy, we’re happy. He’s been fine with us. He’s been great.’
Ronaldo’s former United teammate Bruno Fernandes, who provided two assists in Portugal’s win over Ghana, believes criticism has fuelled the 37-year-old ahead of the tournament.
"I think he likes to work under that criticism from everyone, so I pray for all of you to keep doing that," Fernandes said.
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