'' CRISTIANO RONALDO'S '' FAREWELL : WORLD HONOURS

ARLINGTON : Close to tears and on his own, Cristiano Ronaldo bid farewell to the FIFA World Cup for the final time.

Ronaldo went from growing up in a poor family on the island of Madeira, with an alcoholic father, to become a global superstar.

His eternal thirst for records coupled with a relentless drive for self-improvement and tireless devotion to his art sustained him into his 40s.

OFF the field he is a phenomenon too - the first billionaire footballer, boasting 671 million followers on  Instagram and his '' Siuuuu '' celebration mimicked by star-studded children the world over.

But there was to be no Hollywood style World Cup happy ending for the attacker, who played first for  Sporting Lisbon, before becoming a global icon at Manchester United.

After six years and Champions League glory there he lit up the Bernabeu with Real Madrid, where he conquered Europe 4 more times.

Then came Juventas, a stint back at United, and now the figurehead of Saudi Arabia's bid for  footballing respectability at AL Nasr.

His many accolades and prizes also include five Ballon d'Ors.

In recent years the narrative around Ronaldo has shifted.

With his powers on the wane and lacking the mesmerising turn of foot and pace that were once his hallmark, he moved from the wings to the more traditional number nine role.

!WOW! thanks AFP.