Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has brandished Portugal fans as "petty, soulless, stupid and forever ungrateful" in a scathing rant towards his critics.
Portuguese publication A Bola called for the 37-year-old to be dropped from Portugal's starting XI ahead of their Nations League group decider against Spain, using the headline 'Less Ronaldo, More Portugal' in their paper.
The report also claimed Ronaldo 'is losing influence in the selection', a piece of analysis that came just days after he notched an assist for his country in their 4-0 win against Czech Republic in Prague.
But some of the Portuguese press clearly feel he does not deserve to start with the Qatar World Cup in sight.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward has started just once in the Premier League for Manchester United this season, notching one goal for Erik ten Hag's side in all competitions.
With those critics in mind, Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has leapt to the defence of United's number 7 with a scathing rant towards "the Portuguese", labelling them "sick, petty and stupid" in an astonishing Instagram post.
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“He has his family and those who love him by his side. They will always be by his side, no matter what," she wrote. "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.
“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.
“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.”
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The critics continue to make their voices heard surrounding Ronaldo's form, and former Italy international Antonio Cassano has told the forward to "do himself a favour" and retire.
“At this point, Cristiano should love himself, do himself a favour and understand that, if he cannot reach a level, he must end his career," Cassano told the Muschio Selvaggio podcast:
"He has won everything, he has been a phenomenon. Now it’s time to retire.
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“I have a lot of respect for CR7, but I don’t like him as a player. [Lionel] Messi is like [Diego] Maradona. He had to leave Argentina at the age of 14 and face serious physical problems, which speaks of sacrifices.”
Thoughts on Ronaldo's form at present? Does he deserve a place in Portugal's starting XI?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Manchester United
Jack Kenmare