Ronaldo was dropped from the Portugal starting XI.
Jamie Carragher believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour in Portugal’s defeat against South Korea was not the reason why he was dropped from the starting XI.
Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for Portugal’s last 16 fixture against Switzerland with his national team boss Fernando Santos admitting he didn’t like his attitude after he was subbed in the 2-1 loss against South Korea.
But Carragher insists that his attitude was nothing to do with his omission and it is in fact his poor performances that cost him his place in the side.
All eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo 👀 pic.twitter.com/ocvpuUdRs8
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 6, 2022
He tweeted: “Would Santos the manager of Portugal drop Ronaldo just because of his reaction to being subbed in the last game? A manager at club level maybe yes. With possibly 3 games to a WC final.
“I think he has been left out because of his performances not his reaction.”
Would Santos the manager of Portugal drop #Ronaldo just because of his reaction to being subbed in the last game?
A manager at club level maybe yes.
With possibly 3 games to a WC final🤔
I think he has been left out because of his performances not his reaction. #WorldCup2022— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 6, 2022
Ronaldo is currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent after both parties agreed to end his contract with immediate effect.
The 37-year-old left after being involved in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he gave a damning assessment on the state of affairs at Old Trafford.
From singling out manager Erik ten Hag to questioning the club’s ownership, Ronaldo’s interview left his place at United untenable and gave the club no option but to allow him to leave.
Portugal took a 2-0 lead in the first half against Switzerland after Gonçalo Ramos – the player selected ahead of Ronaldo – scored his first goal at international level.
That’s why he was picked ahead of Ronaldo then pic.twitter.com/duK3AGlZcz
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 6, 2022
Pepe then became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history at age of 39 after his bullet header from a corner doubled their advantage.
Pepe is 40 in three months and still performing on the biggest stage. What a player 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YoENkZ6jHZ
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 6, 2022
Related links:
- Gary Neville reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from Portugal starting XI
- World Cup 2022 Day 17: All the major action and talking points
- Brazil star responds after Roy Keane slates dancing celebrations
