Cristiano Ronaldo says he bad-mouthed South Korean player at World Cup – not Portugal manager Fernando Santos
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Updated 03/12/2022 at 09:52 GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo has denied insulting Portugal manager Fernando Santos when he was substituted against South Korea, insisting it was an opponent he told to "shut up". Ronaldo was replaced midway through the second half as Portugal lost their final group game 2-1, but still progressed as group winners. The striker was unhappy to come off but he and Santos both explained that there was no rift.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has denied any rift with Portugal manager Fernando Santos and said the bad language he used when he was substituted against South Korea was directed towards an opponent.
The 37-year-old was replaced in the 65th minute of his side’s 2-1 Group H defeat on Friday, when the score was still level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, who is one goal away from equalling the great Eusebio’s record as Portugal’s all-time top World Cup scorer, looked unhappy when he was substituted.
There were reports that the former Manchester United striker swore at his manager as he left the pitch, but Ronaldo explained what had happened after the game.
“What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly,” Ronaldo was quoted by Reuters as telling reporters.
“I told him to shut up as he doesn't have that authority. There was no disagreement (with Santos)”.
Santos later agreed with Ronaldo’s version of events.
“I saw the interaction with Korean player, and I have no doubts about what happened," said the manager.
It was a disappointing end to the group stage for Portugal, but they still finished top of Group H to set up a last-16 clash with Switzerland.
“We're unhappy. We wanted to go through with a win, we wanted to go through playing good football to keep boosting our confidence," Santos said.
"We're not going to lose confidence, this group has confidence, but it's a warning, a serious warning. Perhaps some positive things could come from this game.”
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