Cristiano Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted during Portugal's 2-1 defeat to South Korea in the World Cup on Friday. The 37-year-old seemed to be aiming his frustrations at Portugal manager Fernando Santos but he has since revealed that wasn't the case.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract at Manchester United. Ronaldo has been linked with a shock transfer to Chelsea as he now focuses on winning the World Cup in what is set to be his final major international tournament.
The Portuguese superstar scored in his nation's opening World Cup fixture in Qatar against Ghana but was unable to add to his tally in the games against Uruguay and South Korea. His role for Korea's equaliser was called into question as he turned his back on the ball from a corner, allowing Kim Young-gwon to tap home.
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The Portuguese media had quoted Ronaldo mumbling "You're in a f***ing hurry to sub me off", before leaving the pitch. The former Manchester United man later clarified that the reaction was directed towards an opposing player and not manager Fernando Santos for taking him off in the 65th minute, being replaced by Andre Silva.
Speaking to reporters after the 2-1 loss to South Korea, Ronaldo said: "The Korean player [Cho Gue-sung] was telling me to leave quickly and I told him to shut up because he has no authority. There is no need for controversy.
"It's the heat of the match. Whatever happens, things always stay on the pitch," Ronaldo added.
"The most important thing is that we have to be united. We are in the next phase. Not only the players, but also the Portuguese people have to be confident."
Santos was also asked about the incident and said: “The player from Korea was insulting him telling him to go away, so that is the reason why he was angry, everyone saw that. I saw the interaction with the Korea player and I don’t have any doubts about it and if you see the images you see Pepe went towards the Korea player."
According to rumours on social media, the South Korea forward learned Portuguese expletives to use in Friday's World Cup fixture and he put those into action aimed at Ronaldo. The 37-year-old has been substituted in each of Portugal's World Cup fixtures so far and the defeat to South Korea did not stop them from qualifying top of their group.
Ronaldo will hope he can help his nation progress into the quarter-finals as Portugal prepare for their round of 16 tie against Switzerland on Tuesday, December 6.
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