Former Portugal coach, Fernando Santos: Cristiano Ronaldo accepted my decision to bench him at the World Cup.

Ex-Portugal head coach Fernando Santos has disclosed that Cristiano Ronaldo had no issues with being relegated to the bench during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports, the 2022 World Cup was not a standout tournament for the football legend. Ronaldo, then 37, was utilized as a substitute in Portugal’s final two matches.

Santos had previously explained that his decision to bench Ronaldo against Switzerland in the Round of 16 stemmed from the player’s visibly angry reaction after being substituted in a group-stage match against South Korea. In Ronaldo’s place, Gonçalo Ramos started the game and delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat-trick to secure Portugal’s 6-1 victory over the Swiss.

This decision led Ramos to start again in the quarter-finals against Morocco.

Santos has now clarified that Ronaldo accepted his tactical choice and respected the decision to exclude him from the starting lineup. Speaking to Egypt’s Channel 1 via O Jogo, Santos said:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a phenomenal player, and my relationship with him has been excellent since 2004, even before I became national team coach. Ronaldo respected my vision, and we still stay in touch.”

During the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo scored just one goal during the group stage. Prior to the tournament, he left Manchester United following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, where he criticized manager Erik ten Hag, the club’s hierarchy, and some teammates.