Cristiano Ronaldo stays within the eye of the proverbial storm earlier than Portugal’s final 16 match in opposition to Switzerland on Tuesday, with coach Fernando Santos saying that he didn’t just like the gestures that the 37-year-old talisman made whereas he was being substituted in opposition to South Korea.
Final Friday in Portugal’s defeat to South Korea, Ronaldo was withdrawn halfway by the second half. Whereas going out, he had put an index finger to his lips as and later mentioned he was irked by the opposition striker Cho Gue-sung for asking him to hurry up his exit.
“What occurred was earlier than my substitution, the South Korea participant advised me to get off shortly. I advised him to close up as he doesn’t have that authority. There was no disagreement (with the coach),” Ronaldo was quoted as saying by Portuguese reporters.
“Sure, I didn’t prefer it, by no means. I actually didn’t prefer it and from that second on that situation is completed,” Santos mentioned when requested about his feedback on the state of affairs throughout a pre-match press convention on Monday.
The coach additionally refused to touch upon hypothesis again dwelling about whether or not Ronaldo would characteristic in his lineup in opposition to the Swiss on Tuesday, would begin on the bench or if he would skipper the facet.
“I solely resolve who’s going to be captain after I attain the stadium,” Santos mentioned. “I nonetheless don’t know what the lineup shall be. That’s what I’ve at all times carried out and that’s what I’m at all times going to do and it’s going to be the identical tomorrow. The opposite subject is solved. We now have fastened that in-house and that’s it.”
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United by mutual consent final month following a controversial interview, was linked with a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia however Santos mentioned he knew nothing about it.
“I’ve not spoken to him about this. I don’t learn about this. It’s his resolution. I didn’t even learn about this and I heard about this after I arrived right here. We’re targeted on the World Cup. I don’t know something about this different situation,” the coach mentioned.
I solely resolve who’s going to be captain after I attain the stadium: Portugal coach refuses to expose if Cristiano Ronaldo will lead in opposition to Switzerland
![I solely resolve who's going to be captain after I attain the stadium: Portugal coach refuses to expose if Cristiano Ronaldo will lead in opposition to Switzerland 6 I only decide who is going to be captain when I reach the stadium: Portugal coach refuses to divulge if Cristiano Ronaldo will lead against Switzerland](https://i0.wp.com/fifanews.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/I-only-decide-who-is-going-to-be-captain-when.jpg?resize=860%2C478&ssl=1)