Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-time partner criticized the Portugal coach on Saturday for deciding to play the player again on the bench in the 2022 World Cup defeat to Morocco.
Georgina Rodriguez, who has been linked to Ronaldo, 37, since 2016, took to her Instagram stories to praise Fernando Santos during Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals at Al-Tumama Stadium on Saturday. called in a critical post. Qatar.
“Today your friend and coach made the wrong decision. You are that friend who has so much admiration and respect,” wrote 28-year-old Rodriguez along with a photo of Ronaldo, according to the Daily Mail.
“A person who drew you into the game and saw how everything changed, but it was too late. You cannot appreciate the best player in the world, his strongest weapon,” the message reads.
“You can’t support someone who doesn’t deserve it either. Life teaches us lessons. Today we didn’t lose, we learned,” the post concludes.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (R) plays against Morocco’s Javad El Yamiq (L) during the 2022 World Cup on Dec. 10, 2022.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (left) reacts as he receives a feather from Portugal’s head coach Fernando Santos after losing to Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on December 10, 2022.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field at the end of the World Cup quarter-final match between Morocco and Portugal on December 10, 2022.
Although Ronaldo returned to action in the second half of Saturday’s game, the forward was unable to make a significant impact against Morocco. Cameras followed an emotional Ronaldo into the tunnel as the former Manchester United star fought back tears as the game drew to a close.
It has long been speculated that the 2022 World Cup could be Ronaldo’s last, as he will turn 41 in 2026.
As for Ronaldo’s immediate post-World Cup career, he has been linked with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr following his sensational exit from Manchester United in November.
And Rodriguez publicly criticized Santos on social media earlier this week for subbing Ronaldo in Tuesday’s 6-1 Round of 16 win over Switzerland, with Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.
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