Cristiano Ronaldo, this unique topic of discussion that annoys the Portuguese
He was not on the programme, but Cristiano Ronaldo made himself available to the media on November 21, three days before Portugal enter the tournament against Ghana on Thursday at the 974 Stadium in Doha. Smiling and relaxed, “CR7” has a message to deliver. “When a player comes here for a press conference, don’t talk about me: talk about the World Cup, talk about the national team”, advises the Seleção captain. And to add: “There is no need to talk about Cristiano anymore. »
An amazing phrase for the third person singular follower. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner loves his country, represents it, scores goals for it, but has never bothered to soak up all the media space until now. He must have guessed that some of his partners were irritated to play the role of advisor to comment on their actions, gestures and above all failures in recent months. There is something to say. On Tuesday, November 22, Ronaldo was back in the news with the announcement of the termination of his contract with Manchester United.
The day before, however, a very polite Bernado Silva thus set the tone. The Manchester midfielder, who answered the question about the fiery interview he gave to journalist Piers Morgan for the English channel Talk TV, where Ronaldo has an account with the club “Manchester United”,… City did not hide his irritation: “We talk about it only in the last press conferences, when there is a more important World Cup in Portugal. »
? #beINFWC2022 ?? Cristiano Ronaldo responds to media: “No need to talk about Cristiano anymore” https://t.co/pCZiL0wGuT
The former Monaco player takes aim at the media – starting with English journalists, who are more concerned with Ronaldo’s mood than Portugal’s current and future fortunes at this World Cup – but his statement speaks volumes about the fatigue of a growing and talented generation. The 37-year-old superstar was upset that their captain was being treated as a mere assistant.
Starting with Bruno Fernandes. The playmaker, who was CR7’s team-mate in Manchester before this World Cup, has flourished again after his compatriot was relegated to the bench. The relationship between the two men in Portugal provides inexhaustible material for numerous football talk shows. Especially since the very recent handshake video released by the Portuguese Federation on November 15th. “I have a very good relationship with him, it was just a jokeHe assures Ronaldo. His plane was delayed, so I asked if he was coming by boat. »
“Less Ronaldo, more Portugal”
Two days ago, Fernandes confirmed the tenant captain’s version on the microphone of Sky Sports and lamented the extent of the episode. “We have a problem in Portugal: I was watching TV and they talked about it for forty-five minutes and explained that it was a cold. When the sound of the video revealed that it was actually a joke between us, they backed off. »
This development does not exclude one question, which is no longer so taboo: Can Cristiano Ronaldo start a career as a luxury substitute at his age? As in the club, Bruno Fernandes seems freer in the selection without his presence. Reliable observation in the national team for Bernado Silva or Joao Felix, victim of gastroenteritis in the absence of Ronaldo, who shone during the victory (4-0) in the friendly match against Nigeria on November 17.
end of september In Bolada – the best-selling daily sport in the country – required, “one”, “Less Ronaldo, more Portugal” After a convincing 4-0 win over the Czech Republic in the Nations League. The newspaper pointed to this “reduced game volume” and “decreasing goal percentage”, and published a poll stating that 57% of internet users want him to start on the bench in the next match against Spain. Portugal will lose 1-0 with Ronaldo starting.
This debate is not on one man’s mind: Fernando Santos. The coach even defended his captain for an interview with Piers Morgan, the second part of which was broadcast during the match against Nigeria. Timing that raises questions. ” This is a personal interview, very personal in fact. Is Cristiano Ronaldo not a free man? It was his decision and we must understand and respect it.”, Santos says. Since his ordination in 2014, this self-proclaimed Catholic has always trusted God and Cristiano. And there is no reason for him to change his religion during this World Cup.
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