Cristiano Ronaldo struggled at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil and the Ballon d’Or winner has confessed that he paid the price for giving his all for his club.
According to a report by Goal.com the Real Madrid forward has admitted that he pushed himself too hard last season – and that Portugal paid the price.
The Ballon d’Or holder was plagued by thigh and hamstring injuries during the closing stages of the 2013-14 campaign but he still managed to play a key role in his club’s Champions League triumph.
However, Ronaldo struggled at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. The 29-year-old has now admitted that he had nothing left to give after helping Madrid win ‘La Decima’ (the team’s 10th European Cup).
“I wasn’t fully fit and I pushed it,” the forward admitted. “But it went well for me at club level.
“Things were more complicated with Portugal. Things can’t always turn out ok. I’ve learned from what happened with my injury.
“But I don’t regret doing it because I got to play for Real Madrid – who pay me and give me everything.”
Ronaldo’s exploits with Madrid last season saw him rewarded with UEFA’s Best Player in Europe but the former Manchester United man did not feel like his 2013-14 campaign was anything special.
“In terms of individual and team honors but if you look at the last six or seven years, I’ve played at more or less the same level,” he reasoned.
“But I’m obviously thrilled because this year I had the most individual and team success; it was a dream year.”
