Ronaldo Left “Broken” After Exit

30 Jun 2010

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to feeling awful and hurt after his Portugal side crashed out of the World Cup in the second round against European Champions Spain yesterday.

Portugal attempted to squeeze the life out of their Iberian rivals but were left ultimately disappointed by their 1-0 loss in Cape Town.
None were more upset than Portugal’s captain Ronaldo, who has yet again had to face claims that he is unable to reproduce his scintillating club form, which saw him win World Player of the Year whilst at Manchester United and score 33 goals last year for Real Madrid, on the international stage.

The only goal of last night’s game was scored by Spanish hotshot David Villa who is battling with Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuian, a team mate of Ronaldo’s, for the Golden Boot at the moment.

The manner of the defeat left Ronaldo disconsolate and the former Sporting Lisbon youngster could not contain his bitter and frustrated feelings at the end of the match that will be Portugal’s last in the World Cup for at least another 4 years.

"I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," he said in a statement released on the website of Gestifute.

"How can I explain it (the defeat)? Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz. "
Ronaldo denied that this was a criticism of the Portuguese manager Quieroz and also was defensive when his role as Captain of the side came into question.

"When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference," said Ronaldo.
"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone.
"I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."

The race for the Golden Boot for the tournament’s top scorer is really hotting up now with Villa the favourite at 11/5 with bwin, 2/1 with Ladbrokes and 7/4 with skybet.