CRISTIANO RONALDO became the first player to score at FIVE World Cups and then declared his Manchester United debacle to be over.
The Portuguese icon netted a second-half penalty to help his nation win 3-2 against Ghana.
It put him onto eight World Cup goals – one more than legendary rival Lionel Messi.
This win was also Ronaldo’s first game since his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan rocked the football world and saw his United contract terminated.
Speaking in a press conference that lasted two minutes and 12 seconds and answering just one question, the 37-year-old said: “This was a beautiful moment – my fifth World Cup.
“We won, we started with a good foot. A very important win.
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“We know the first match is crucial. But also a world record. The first player to score in five World Cups. That makes me proud.
“The most important step is we won. It was a week that finished this chapter (with United).
“This chapter is closed. We wanted to start with a good foot. We won. I could help my team.
“All the rest does not matter.”
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Ronaldo’s first World Cup came 18 years ago in Germany – which included the famous winker incident with Wayne Rooney – and he was welling up during the national anthem.
He won a soft penalty in the 65th minute, going down under a challenge from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
Ronaldo converted it for his 118th goal for his country.
Ghana hit back through ex-Swansea man Andre Ayew, before Bruno Fernandes teed up Joao Felix and Rafael Leao to make it 3-1.
Still the Ghanaians came back through sub Osman Bukari – who performed Ronaldo’s iconic Siu celebration – but Portugal held on.
Asked if free agent Ronaldo can still play at the top level, team-mate Bernardo Silva, of Manchester City, replied: “Yes I think so.
“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?
“We are happy to know that we can still count on him – not just the goal but he worked a lot for the team. We are happy with the three points.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos added: “He is one of the best players ever. I think Cristiano is a phenomenon and a legend like many others who have come before him.
“In 50 years time we’ll still be talking about him.”
Ghana boss Otto Addo was left fuming with the referee for giving the spotkick.
He said: “If somebody scores a goal, congratulations, but this was really a gift.
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“I think it was the wrong decision. I think we played the ball. I don’t know why VAR didn’t come up. There’s no explanation for me. Then it’s difficult for us.
“If I look at that scene, it’s incredible. We were playing the ball. It was actually a foul against us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
