Leo Junior, the former Brazilian international, has called on Cristiano Ronaldo to adjust to the possibility of his departure from the starting line-up for the Portuguese national team in the upcoming period.
The round of 16 match of the 2022 World Cup saw Ronaldo sitting on the bench until the 73rd minute, as he only contributed in the final quarter of an hour of the match against Switzerland.
The incident represented the number 7 shirt’s first exclusion from Portugal’s starting lineup in a major tournament since 2008.
In recent days, rumors have emerged of Ronaldo’s threat to leave the Portuguese national team field in response to the decision of Fernando Santos, his coach, to rely on him as an alternative.
Junior, who played 74 international matches for the Brazilian national team between 1979 and 1992, and also participated in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, gave his opinion.
The 68-year-old opened his remarks, noting: “It’s natural that time passes for everyone… and life is unstable, and it doesn’t proceed at the same pace.”
And the retired left-back continued: “And Ronaldo will understand that in the best possible way so that he can retain the great respect his colleagues have for him.”
Junior has expressed his sympathy for Santos’ decision not to include the 37-year-old in their starting line-up against Switzerland.
In this regard, he said: “You should be brave enough to keep Ronaldo on the bench, and the coach did.”
