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– Fans have been left stunned after Portugal left out Cristiano Ronaldo for their World Cup last-16 tie against Switzerland. The former Manchester United striker had his contract terminated earlier in the tournament following his infamous interview with Piers Morgan, but has continued to play for his country in Qatar.
– Ronaldo scored in the dramatic 3-2 opening group stage game win over Ghana but hasn’t added another since converting from the spot. He started all three of the games and captained his side but angered his manager Fernando Santos with the way he left the pitch against South Korea.
– The 37-year-old was a second half substitute in the final group game and made a silencing gesture after leaving the pitch, which his manager responded to, saying, “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.”
Also Read: Portugal boss Santos slams Ronaldo for substitution reaction
– It’s not the first time Ronaldo has turned his manager towards him in recent weeks after Erik ten Hag was left stunned by his choice to leave the bench early during a 2-0 win over Tottenham, that game all but ended his Premier League career, and Santos has now punished the star by leaving him out of the starting XI for what could be his final World Cup match.
📰 𝔹ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾 ℕ𝔼𝕎𝕊: Este é o nosso 11 Inicial para hoje! 👥🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira
This is our Starting 11 for today! 👥 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/OiKlJU44O1
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) December 6, 2022
