Cristiano Ronaldo “runs away” and reports on Instagram

First a bench press, then a substitution, then a goal that didn’t count and finally a quick exit – Cristiano Ronaldo pressed 6-1 victory for his Portuguese in the round of 16 of the World Cup against the Nati despite the reserve role on the stamp. Even before the game starts Problems with Ronaldo been a big topic. Most Portuguese fans didn’t want to see the legend in the starting lineup. National coach Fernando Santos did just that and put Ronaldo on the bench.

According to the 68-year-old, his decision was strategic. «Cristiano and Gonçalo Ramos (his replacement who scored a hat-trick, ed) are different players. No problem with the captain of the national team (Ronaldo, ed). We have been friends for many years. He set the example of captain » said Santos after the clear victory.

After the match, the footage went viral showing Ronaldo disappearing into the catacombs instead of celebrating with his teammates. But that’s not entirely true. 20 minutes was in the stadium and saw other scenes. So the superstar went to the fans first, she celebrated briefly with them and only then left the field. All is well, but not all. According to “Marca”, on Wednesday he would have refused training with the substitutes and would have remained with the starting eleven in good shape.

On Insta he highlighted only positive things: “An incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football. The dream is alive! Until the end! Come on Portugal!” His girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, on the other hand, was critical.

“It’s a shame we can’t enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes,” the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram. “All eyes were on you as the 11 players sang the anthem,” wrote Rodriguez, referring to the photographers’ keen interest in Ronaldo sitting on the bench. “The fans haven’t stopped asking for your commitment and calling your name.” What did he mean by this? Well, the spectators in the biggest stadium of the World Cup chanted Ronaldo in the second half and loudly applauded his substitution.

His former Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes also commented on Ronaldo: “It’s not easy for any player to be on the bench. But the most important thing is the response he gave when he came on. He helped the team.” Ronaldo’s replacement, the young Benfica Lisbon professional Ramos, commented on the unusual role on the bench: “As captain, Cristiano did what he always does. He helped us, encouraged us, the whole team.”

Coach Santos cannot yet say how things will play out with Ronaldo over the course of the tournament. ‘We have to see it. I have a very close relationship with him. But we are coaches and players. I told him that he is a very important player, he knows it. ” In the quarterfinals on Saturday from 16:00 (live with us) Portugal meet the surprise team Morocco.