Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez has spoken out after the Portugal captain was dropped to the bench for the World Cup last 16 tie against Switzerland.
Ronaldo got on the wrong side of his manager Fernando Santos during Portugal’s last group stage match against South Korea after reacting angrily to being substituted.
After that match, Santos said: “If I see the images – I didn’t like it, not at all. I really did not like it.
“But from that moment onwards, everything is finished – full stop regarding that issue. Now, we have to think about tomorrow’s match, and everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match.”
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As a result of his reaction, Ronaldo found himself on the bench for Portugal’s crucial last-16 clash against Switzerland.
Although many feared Santos’ decision could backfire, Portugal were rampant as Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick during the huge 6-1 win.
Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao were also on the scoresheet.
After the match, Ronaldo’s partner Rodriguez took to social media to show support for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, claiming it was a shame that people couldn’t enjoy watching the 37-year-old for the whole 90 minutes.
She wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations Portugal. While the 11 players sang the anthem, all eyes were on you. What a shame not to have been able to enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes.
“The fans did not stop asking for you and shouting your name. May God and your dear friend Fernando(Santos) continue hand in hand and make us vibrate one more night.”
Whilst Santos was quoted saying that the issues with Ronaldo are now solved.
“I think those issues [with Ronaldo] have been solved. I repeat myself from my previous press conference, it is something which is finished and solved,” he said.
Portugal will now face Morocco this Saturday for a place in the semi-finals. The African side dumped 2010 winners Spain out after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football, Football World Cup
Marcus Chan