Portugal, Fernando Santos unveils interview with Cristiano Ronaldo

The words of Fernando Santos

Portugal coach Fernando Santos in the press conference on the eve of the quarterfinal with Morocco revealed the conversation he had with Cristiano Ronaldo before leaving him on the bench with Switzerland.

“I had a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. We talked about the Portuguese national team. It was before the game against Switzerland and I told him why he would be a substitute. I told him he would not start in the round of 16. He was not happy with the conversation, as is normal. But it was a normal conversation where everyone showed their point of view. A normal conversation.”

“When a player is captain of Portugal and starts from the bench, it is normal that he is not happy. It is normal that he is unhappy. When I told him he was not going to start, he asked me if it was a good idea. Of course he was not happy. But I can assure you that he never wanted to leave the training camp,” Santos continued.

“He never told me he wanted to leave. It’s time to end it and stop. Against Switzerland he came out of the locker room, warmed up, ran to celebrate the goals with his teammates. He called his teammates to thank them for their efforts … but he left on his own. Let’s leave Cristiano Ronaldo alone,” concluded, annoyed, the Lusitanians’ coach.

Fernando Santos stern: “Leave Cristiano Ronaldo alone.” Photos
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