Cristiano Ronaldo's sister has accused Portugal fans of "spitting on the plate they eat from" as the Manchester United superstar faces an unprecedented wave of criticism in his homeland.
Katia Aveiro posted a lengthy message on social media leaping to her brother's defence after the Portuguese media called for him to be dropped for Tuesday night's Nations League clash with Spain. Anti-Ronaldo sentiment only increased after Portugal were defeated 1-0 by La Roja, although manager Fernando Santos insisted he will persist with the 37-year-old.
Ronaldo's struggles on the international stage come against the backdrop of a deeply-disappointing start to the season at club level. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has started just one Premier League game for United and his only goal came against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.
With her brother more in the spotlight than ever, Katia Aveiro has lashed out at Portugal fans, accusing them of being "sick", "petty" and "forever ungrateful" towards their captain and the leading goalscorer in men's international football. She also declared Ronaldo remains "the best player in the world" as she posted an Instagram story of him sat on the ground looking dejected during Portugal's defeat by Spain.
"He has his family and those who love him by his side. They will always be by his side, no matter what," the 44-year-old wrote of Ronaldo. "But the current times don't surprise me at all. The Portuguese spit on the plate they eat [from], it has always been that way. That's why when someone appears from the ashes and changes mentalities, it bothers... With you always, my king. Calm down."
Katia Aveiro then launched into an attack on her brother's detractors, adding: "It is necessary to give a hand to those who have always given theirs to Portugal. But the Portuguese are sick, petty, soulless, stupid, ungrateful and forever ungrateful. This guy who's sitting, he's on his knees... There's no one to give him a hand.
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"It is cruel. And it was already so much, but so much that he gave and gives. The one sitting is called Cristiano Ronaldo and he is just the best player in the world."
Katia Aveiro is no stranger to speaking out about her brother on social media. On Wednesday, she also posted a picture of her alongside the former Real Madrid and Juventus forward, and shared an extract from the poem 'Footprints In The Sand'.
While Ronaldo's place in the Portugal starting XI is under scrutiny ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this winter, he must return his focus to club duties. The Red Devils make the short trip to the Etihad to take on local rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
