His teammate and replacement Goncalo Ramos went on to score a hat-trick
In a sight which is becoming too familiar, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen walking off the pitch, after the final whistle blew cementing Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland. The Portuguese captain who was recently released from Manchester United and has reportedly signed for Saudi Arabia side, Al-Nassr FC, was dropped by coach Fernando Santos.
Making matters worse for Ronaldo, his replacement, Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick, while the 37-year-old was benched for the first time since Euro 2008. In a recent viral video, Portuguese players can be seen celebrating and applauding the fans, while Ronaldo was spotted slowly making his way across the pitch and towards the tunnel.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left of picture) walks straight off while his teammates celebrate with fans. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/W7jB6iGQOO
— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) December 6, 2022
To no surprise to anyone, Ronaldo’s non-start was a matter of discussion amongst pundits. According to Jamie Carragher of Sky, Ronaldo was dropped as a result of his poor performance in the tournament so far, having scored only through a penalty in a win over Ghana. Ronaldo was included in Sofascore’s worst team of the group stage ratings, scoring an average of just 6.37 in three matches.
The drama seems to be following the ex-Real Madrid player everywhere, with reports claiming that coach Santos and he exchanged words after a match against South Korea, as Santos didn’t like the player’s reaction after being taken off in the 2-1 defeat. Post which, Ronaldo was left out of the side’s starting XI.
However, Santos continues to claim that the forward was dropped for tactical reasons, adding, “There is no problem with our captain. We’ve been friends for years. We spoke before the game and he had no issue with my decision.”
— Hotbird (@Davenbort) December 6, 2022
However, there are users on the micro-blogging site claiming that Ronaldo did indeed applaud the fans before heading down.
Here Are All The Reactions
People defending this are kinda missing the point. He didn’t celebrate with his team. You’re all acting as if the quarter finals isn’t a big deal; it’s a momentous time to share with your team and he didn’t.
— Joshua Garcia (@its_a_mre) December 6, 2022
He’s literally walking straight off the pitch, just because he clapped doesn’t make the tweet less true
— david (@_mf34) December 6, 2022
Pls don’t post a wrong side.. he appreciated the fans with clap & thumps up..other players are enjoying too much & delayed to come. This celebration is not important, winning wc & celebrating it is much vital & desire for our 🐐
— Karthikeyan Gk (@KarthikeyanGk6) December 7, 2022
They should kick him out from the team. You can see, he is only a problem in a team 🤷
— Damir Mandic (@DamirMandic45) December 6, 2022
Do your job as a journalist and report with integrity! So he walked off the field alone-why? Are any of the other players going through the same scrutiny and criticism? He supported the team! He sat on the bench, he played, he cheered! But it ended his way and not how you wanted!
— Ann Maria Diran (@AnnDiran) December 7, 2022
Fans clapped for Ronaldo when he came on as a substitute, after the trainer rightly punished him for his immature behavior. Team is above the individual. What an ego tripper that Ronaldo, immediately off the field instead of partying with successful teammates. Out of selection.
— Fer (@Jefachterberg) December 6, 2022
Obviously difficult for him to accept that he’s no longer the player he used to be, but the team must come first.
— petrit (@petritkr_) December 6, 2022
I think people are just kicking him while he’s down in this game, he celebrated every goal from the bench.. never looked grumpy or pissed off.. he’s accepted his fate i think and he handled it graciously.
— Steve Trevaskis (@PistoleroFilms) December 6, 2022
Image credits: Twitter, Manchester Unites, Portugal National Team
