Mueez Ajao
– Portugal coach Fernando Santos says he “really didn’t like” Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted in the World Cup defeat by South Korea.
– Ronaldo was taken off 65 minutes into their final group-stage defeat and has denied directing an outburst towards his coach.
– Santos refused to comment on reports Ronaldo could be dropped for Tuesday’s last-16 match with Switzerland.
– “I am not worried if information is right or wrong,” said Santos.
– “I do not read this type of information. I am focused on my team. We are focusing on training and not paying attention to any polls [in the Portuguese media].
– “Yes, I did not like it, not at all [Ronaldo’s outburst]. I really did not like it and from that moment on that issue [it] is finished.”
– Much of the Portugal news conference on Monday was dominated by talk of the 37-year-old forward, who left Manchester United by mutual consent in November following a controversial interview.
– Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have already made a huge offer to sign Ronaldo after the tournament in Qatar, while other clubs have expressed an interest in him.
– “I have not spoken to him about this,” added Santos.
– “I don’t know about this. It is his decision. I did not even know about this and I heard about this when I arrived here.
– “We are focused on the World Cup. I don’t know anything about this other issue.”
