Jose Enrique praised Fernando Santos tonight for dropping superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal's crushing 6-1 victory against Switzerland at the World Cup.
And the former Liverpool defender unleashed an X-rated online take on the matter before the Iberian nation cruised into the quarter-finals thanks in no small part to a hat-trick from Ronaldo's replacement Goncalo Ramos.
The now ex-Manchester United hero Ronaldo, was left out of the starting XI following public criticism by coach Santos for displaying a poor attitude after he was substituted against South Korea during Portugal's final group stage match. The bold move by Santos ultimately paid off, as the Euro 2016 winners easily progressed with a fine performance, but an animated Enrique was already hailing the decision prior to kick-off.
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Speaking about the matter in a video on Instagram, Enrique said: "I have to say well done to the Portugal coach. Finally someone has put their b***s on the table and said 'you p***ed me off the other day, you're on the f***ing bench now'.
"The problem he has is a big one because if they lose, they are going to blame him for not playing Ronaldo. But from my opinion, well done here. Now all the haters, who love Cristiano. Let me know your excuse now to defend him. Well done mate."
Ronaldo was forced to watch from the bench as 21-year-old Ramos announced his arrival on the world stage with a scintillating treble and also an assist that has set up a quarter-final clash with Morocco. Portugal's all-time highest capped player eventually got onto the pitch in the 73rd minute, by which time the game was already won.
Despite Enrique's stinging verdict on the Ronaldo, new hero Ramos only had words of praise for his country's team captain. As per BBC Sport, Ramos said: "Cristiano Ronaldo talks to me and everyone in the team. He's our leader and always tries to help."
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