Emotional Cristiano Ronaldo on verge of tears as he belts out national anthem before Portugal’s World Cup clash vs Ghana

CRISTIANO RONALDO was on the verge of tears as he lined up for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.

The former Manchester United forward, 37, has become the fifth outfield player to take part in FIVE World Cup finals since his tournament debut back in 2006.

ITVThe TV cameras caught Cristiano Ronaldo looking very emotional[/caption]

He held back the tears in front of the adoring crowdRex

GettyHe seemed to be on the verge of tears but still belted out the national anthem[/caption]

Ronaldo shook off the emotions as he tried to focus on the game aheadRex

He is playing in what is expected to be his final World CupRex

GettyTowards the end of the national anthem he looked more content and ready to go[/caption]

And, in what is expected to be the start of his final appearance at the competition, it is clear the occasion was a lot for him to take in.

Ronaldo shaped up for the national anthems and was clearly very emotional.

He proudly sung it with a great amount of passion, but appeared on the verge of tears as it began.

Ronaldo’s Portugal have been drawn in Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.

And while they did claim the European Championships in 2016, they have not gone beyond the last 16 of the World Cup since 2006 – when they reached the semi-finals.

The clash with Ghana comes just days after Ronaldo’s Man Utd contract was ripped up.

Remarkably, he is now playing in Qatar as a free agent.

Speaking after the Red Devils terminated his deal, Ronaldo said: “Following talks with Manchester United, we’ve mutually agreed to end our contract.

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“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change.

“It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best.”

He has been linked with a host of clubs in the January window including Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon or even a transfer to the MLS.

GettyRonaldo still seemed ready for Portugal’s World Cup opener[/caption]