2023-11-08 23:00:00
Foot
He unpacks everything about his clash with Cristiano Ronaldo
Published on November 9, 2023 at 00:00
Portugal coach for eight years, Fernando Santos had a special relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. But as the Portuguese technician revealed in an interview with A Bola, the two men no longer speak to each other. Indeed, the five-time Ballon d’Or has not forgiven him for putting him on the bench during the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland.
It was as a free player that Cristiano Ronaldo participated in the World Cup in Qatar. Unhappy to have lost his place Manchester United, the Portuguese and the Red Devils had ended their collaboration. But with the Portugal, the five-time Ballon d’Or had also been relegated to the bench. During the round of 16 against the Suisse (6-1) and the quarter-final against Morocco (1-0), Fernando Santos had preferred him Gonçalo Ramos.
“It was not an easy decision”
A decision by the former coach of Portugal which damaged his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. Indeed, in an interview given to A Bola, Fernando Santos revealed that they haven’t spoken since the World Cup. “Today I would make the same decision. It was a tactical decision. I have to think about the team first. Strategically, I thought it was the best decision. With my technical staff, we discussed this question, it was not an easy decision. Even for personal questions, of friendship, it was a huge burden. It’s true. But I had a bigger decision to make and I thought this was for the best,” he said.
“He did not understand”
Nevertheless, Fernando Santos is ready to reconnect with Cristiano Ronaldo : “It’s true that on the day of the match (against Switzerland, editor’s note), when I went to explain to him that he was not going to play and why he was not going to play, he did not understand. But I understand his reaction! I have already explained that this period was very anxiety-provoking for him, I understand because for him it is a friend who puts him aside. For my part, the relationship is the same and I still consider him as a son or a little brother. The day the phone rings, he knows I will be there. It’s guaranteed. I know it hurts, but that’s life. »
“There are no regrets on my part”
“I think one day we’ll see each other again, we’ll say, ‘We’ve always had this relationship.’ There are no regrets on my part. I understand he was hurt and maybe still is. But the relationship we had is not just any relationship. One thing I’ve always told players and always done is that I separate the professional side from the personal very well. My relationship with Cristiano hasn’t changed at all. I hope that one day the current situation will change. If that doesn’t happen, I’m patient. I’m sad, but I’m ready…” added Fernando Santos.
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