Cristiano Ronaldo is not popular even in his own country before the climax of the World Cup. The team’s coach, Fernando Santoskin, admitted that he didn’t like the superstar’s performance in Portugal’s previous World Cup game.
The Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been bubbling around constantly during the World Cup. Most recently, Ronaldo’s actions in the last preliminary group game against South Korea have been discussed.
Ronaldo reacted furiously when he was substituted off the pitch. According to Ronaldo, the South Korean player insulted him while he was going to make a substitution. According to the Portuguese media, pictures and videos taken in the South Korea game show the superstar using vulgar language towards the coach Fernando Santos towards.
Santos was asked about the photos at a press conference on Monday.
– I didn’t like them at all, Santos said.
According to the coach, the matter has been discussed within the team.
– The matter has now been dealt with. We’re just thinking about the game ahead. Everyone is focused on preparing for the match, Santos stated.
Portugal, starred by Ronaldo, will meet Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Tuesday. With a win, you get into the top eight and into the quarterfinals. Portugal’s World Cup tournament ends with a defeat.
In Portugal, there has even been speculation as to whether Ronaldo should be dropped from the team’s starting line-up. In a survey by Portugal’s largest sports media, A Bola, 70 percent of those who voted were of the opinion that Ronaldo will no longer be part of the starting line-up for this World Cup.
Santos said at the press conference that he has not read about the speculation or the votes. However, the Portuguese pilot did not confirm what Ronaldo’s role will be in Tuesday’s match against Switzerland.
– I will decide my captain only when I come to the stadium. I don’t know my lineup yet. That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’ll do, Santos stated.
Ronaldo has also been in the headlines because of his club team designs. Right before the World Cup, Manchester United canceled Ronaldo’s contract immediately.
The Spanish newspaper Marca reported on Monday that Ronaldo’s transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr was confirmed. However, club sources told news agency AFP later on Monday that negotiations are still ongoing. According to AFP’s source, the rights to Ronaldo’s photos are at stake in the case.
Santos said at the press conference that he has not talked to Ronaldo about club team matters.
– To be honest, I didn’t even know about this. I only heard when I got here. Someone told me about it a few minutes ago. It’s his decision. We are focusing here on the World Cup, Santos stated.
Sources: AFP, Reuters
Portugal will face Switzerland at 21:00 on Tuesday. In the first quarter-final of the day, Morocco-Spain will meet at 17:00. Live broadcasts of both matches on TV2, Areena and the app for following the World Cup.