Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife, Georgina Rodriguez, swiftly deleted a social media post criticising Portugal manager Jorge Jesus that used fake quotes from former Manchester United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 32-year-old Spanish social media personality and model leapt to the defence of the 41-year-old Portugal captain amid his ongoing row with the manager after he walked out on his country.
She wrote: ‘I don’t know how this man can carry the name of Christ,’ and below her sniping comment was a fictitious quote from Ronaldo’s former boss and legendary Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.Â
It read: ‘If Jorge Jesus knew in his heart that he had no intention of using him, then why did he call him up in the first place? To make a point? That’s not authority, that’s insecurity.’
Ferguson has not spoken about the Ronaldo row, and the quote and imagery appeared to be AI-generated.Â
Rodriguez quickly deleted what she’d shared on her Instagram story with 78million followers.Â
Ronaldo landed in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning after flying from Copenhagen, where Portugal faced Denmark on Thursday, on his private jet. He had been seen leaving the Parken Stadium in the Danish capital on Wednesday after missing a third consecutive training session.
Ronaldo later confirmed in a statement on Instagram that he had left the team’s camp because of comments made by Jesus in his press conference.Â
The feud with his manager started when Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway – the first time in 18 years he’s missed the full 90 minutes for the national side (barring injuries and suspensions).Â
Ronaldo said: ‘After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp.
‘In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself.
‘Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates.’Â
Jesus, though, who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, insists his conscience is clean.
‘It’s not difficult for me to focus,’ he added. ‘You know what’s difficult for me? It’s not understanding what’s going on inside. It’s not knowing how to train my players. That’s what’s difficult for me. The rest… zero.
‘What’s important is what we have to do. The things that happen don’t separate the group, they haven’t separated us and they won’t separate us.’