Fernando Santos has admitted he didn’t like Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour during Portugal’s most recent World Cup encounter.
The conduct of the ex-Manchester United superstar has been in full focus since he successfully engineered an acrimonious Old Trafford exit. That departure came after a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, where he openly criticised his former employers.
While his club future remains up in the air, Ronaldo is attempting to win his country their first ever World Cup. Portugal have reached the last 16 where they will face Switzerland on Tuesday, with the 37-year-old set to lead the line once again.
If Ronaldo finds the net against the Swiss he will join Eusebio as Portgual’s most prolific World Cup scorer with nine goals. He thought he had already matched his tally earlier in the tournament, only for his ‘goal’ vs Uruguay to subsequently be awarded to Bruno Fernandes.
There was then more frustration for the free agent during Portugal’s final group stage encounter against South Korea. After being kept quiet by Paulo Bento’s charges, Ronaldo was substituted with 25 minutes left while his team went in search of a winning goal.
Ronaldo angrily left the field of play with pictures appearing to show him shouting towards manager Santos. Speaking after the 2-1 reversal, the forward claimed his anger was not directed towards the dugout and was instead at South Korean player Cho Gue-sung.
“What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly. I told him to shut up as he doesn't have that authority. There was no disagreement (with the coach),” Ronaldo said.
Santos initially accepted Ronaldo’s explanation and said he had “no doubts” regarding the incident. However, having watched it back, he revealed that he wasn’t happy with Ronaldo’s behaviour and was forced to “resolve” the issue behind closed doors.
“When the game ended, I went to the flash [interview] and then I went to the press conference,” Santos explained. "I repeat: on the field, I didn't hear anything, I was very far away and I only heard that he was arguing with the Korean player.
"Have I seen the images later? Yes. Did I like it? No. I really didn't like it at all. But from there, those issues are resolved at home and it's time to think about tomorrow's game, which we are all focused on.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Portugal and Ronaldo go all the way and win the World Cup? Let us know in the comments
Ronaldo’s international teammate Ruben Dias believes the media not only have it in for the entire Portugal squad. But the Manchester City defender insists that the negative backdrop is only making them a more united team.
Asked if Ronaldo was being treated unfairly, Dias said: “I think that this question has to be asked of Cristiano. What I have to say is that, especially at this stage, we feel like the press is messing with the team and that includes Ronaldo and everyone else.
"Instead of dividing us, that gives greater strength. We want that strength and that good, positive energy.”
