Audio By Carbonatix
Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels like a "broken man" following Portugal's World Cup exit and has denied attributing the blame for the country's failure to coach Carlos Queiroz.
Portugal were eliminated in the second round by Spain on Tuesday night as a David Villa goal secured a 1-0 victory for their Iberian neighbours. It meant Portugal departed the competition having failed to score in three of their four games in South Africa.
Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo was a marginal figure for much of the match and his conduct was also brought in question following the final whistle as he appeared to spit in the direction of a TV cameraman on the pitch.
The national team captain then told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" when asked to explain Portugal's defeat to Spain, but has since issued a statement through his agent to establish he was not seeking to apportion blame to the coach.
"I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," Ronaldo said. "When I said 'put the question to the coach', it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference.
"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone. I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."
In response to Ronaldo's remarks, Queiroz hinted he expected better performances from the country's captain who scored only one goal in South Africa.
"We are not unaware of those remarks, but we are not here to be friends with the players," Queiroz said. "One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.
"Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there."
Jose Mourinho will manage Ronaldo at Real Madrid next season and says he will not seek to place too much pressure on his countryman following his World Cup ordeal.
"I will not allow all the responsibilities of the team to fall on Ronaldo," Mourinho told Marca. "In my teams, when we win, we all win, and when we lose, I lose - so Ronaldo can relax and enjoy his holidays."
Source: ESPN
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
2027 AFCONQ: Ghana under pressure as Gambia beat Somalia 2-1
4 minutes -
Eastern NPP Women’s Organiser calls on AG, Police to secure bail for Salomey Baffoe
7 minutes -
Poverty, illiteracy driving acceptance of vote-buying among women – Damongo Queen Mother
43 minutes -
Photos: Democracy Is Not For Sale forum in Savannah region
49 minutes -
GNFS launches 2026/27 National Anti-Bushfire campaign in Atebubu, records 62.8% reduction in bushfire cases
1 hour -
I’ll vote for a female president; women are less likely to steal from the state – Okyeame Kwame
1 hour -
More public education needed to stop vote-buying – Savannah Region MP
1 hour -
Absa Bank commissions new head office, commits to strengthening operations in Ghana
1 hour -
Republic Bank-JoyNews Habitat Fair clinic: Day 1 ends on positive note as patrons explore housing solutions at Junction Mall
1 hour -
Vanderpuye: NDC welfare system needed to support former officials, cadres
1 hour -
Chamber of Mines extends support to Akropong, Mampong Special Schools
2 hours -
Tumu chiefs, MP back clearance of road corridor for Ghana-Burkina road corridor
2 hours -
‘Democracy Is Not For Sale’: Monetisation of elections could lead to wrong people entering Parliament – UDS lecturer
2 hours -
COCOBOD increases cocoa producer price to GH¢42,400 for 2026/27 season
2 hours -
Atebubu College of Education receives GETFund boost after years of infrastructure neglect
2 hours