When an opponent irritated Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup, he had some strong words to say. Ronaldo is an often animated presence on the field for whichever team he plays for.
In their 2022 World Cup group-stage match, South Korean forward Cho Gue-Sung attempted to rush the five-time Ballon d’Or winner off the field. Ronaldo was furious and walked off while putting his index finger to his lips. He would not have it.
“Before my substitution, one of their players was telling me to leave quickly. I told him to shut up, he has no authority, he doesn’t have to say anything.”
A late goal by HeeChan Hwang gave South Korea the victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Nevertheless, the outcome saw both teams advance to the Round of 16 in Qatar, with the Portuguese retaining their top ranking in the group despite the defeat.
Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals, but Morocco defeated them there with a 1-0 result. After losing to Brazil 4-1 in the Round of 16, South Korea was eliminated.
Manager of Portugal in the World Cup Fernando Santos was not impressed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture.
Fernando Santos, the head coach of Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, expressed his displeasure with Cristiano Ronaldo’s theatrics against South Korea. The great striker had words with Cho Gue-Sung, a striker from Korea, while he was being replaced.
Speaking after the match via The Guardian, the veteran coach said:
“Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it. But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue. These matters are resolved behind
closed doors. It’s resolved. Full stop”
The Portugal manager therefore decided not to start Ronaldo in the subsequent match against Switzerland. His choice appeared to be justified as the Portuguese easily defeated their opponents 6-1 to go to the World Cup semifinals. He once more let the Al-Nassr guy go during the loss to Morocco.
