World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo criticized by Portugal coach Fernando Santos after controversial departure against South Korea

The reason for the public rebuke for the 37-year-old superstar was the scenes surrounding his replacement in the last group match against South Korea (1:2).

Ronaldo, who was initially reluctant to leave the pitch, tangled with a South Korean player on his way to the Portuguese bench. “The South Korean player insulted him and told him to go away. That’s why he was angry. Everyone could see that,” Santos defended his protégé right after the game.

In the meantime, the European champion coach from 2016 has rowed back. “I didn’t hear anything on the pitch. I was too far away. So all I heard was his argument with the South Korean player. Nothing else.”

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The difference of opinion was settled one day before the World Cup round of 16 against Switzerland. Joint success is now the priority. “But from there it’s things that you sort out internally. We solved that and now we’re thinking about tomorrow’s game. Everyone is focused on this game,” assured Santos.