Former Manchester United star, Gary Neville has expressed his dissatisfaction with Cristiano Ronaldo’s conduct and the statement he issued following his unexpected departure from the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo left the Portugal squad shortly before their encounter with Denmark following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus.
He decided to leave the national team after Jesus’ media briefing ahead of Portugal’s match against the Danish side.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo explained his reasons for withdrawing from the squad and blamed Jesus. He said he was disappointed with the Portuguese manager’s decision not to field him in a UEFA Nations League fixture against Norway.
Furthermore, he alleged that Jesus had gone back on his word by failing to honour his promises.
Speaking during an appearance on The Overlap, Neville said he was disappointed with Ronaldo’s attitude.
He said, “I actually love him to bits. I can’t sit here and say I approve of that statement and think it was a good thing for him to do; it makes him more difficult to like.
“If you love him, it makes him more difficult to like; if you don’t like him, it makes you dislike him even more. In another year, when he’s retired, we will look back upon his greatness in football, and people won’t remember this ending.”
Ronaldo apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public for his sudden withdrawal from the squad and reaffirmed his readiness to accept whatever disciplinary measures the Portuguese Football Federation might impose. He also clarified that he was not ending his international career.
Despite his apology, Ronaldo has reportedly been suspended from the national team by the Portuguese Football Federation.
However, the duration of the suspension and the extent of any further disciplinary action he may face remain unclear.