Football

Between us we talked – Bernardo Silva reveals Portuguese players sensed Cristiano Ronaldo could be dropped during FIFA World Cup

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva has revealed the team’s players suspected that Cristiano Ronaldo could be dropped during the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo was named in the starting XI in the Group stage matches against Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea.

However, Fernando Santos, Portugal’s manager, benched him for the Round of 16 match against Switzerland. Portugal registered a thumping win of 6-1 against the Swiss, with Goncalo Ramos, Ronaldo’s replacement scoring a hat-trick.

Subsequently, Santos backed the same team in the quarterfinal clash against Morocco. However, the African nation stunned Portugal by 1-0 and Ronaldo’s dream of winning the World Cup was shattered.

Silva, who plays for Manchester City, told Record (h/t GOAL): “Between us we talked and asked ‘could it be, would it not be?’, because the players talk. But we only found out about the team in the locker room when we arrived at the stadium, two hours before the game.

“There are 26 players, too many for the coach to choose for each specific game. It never shocks me that he decides to go with one or the other. Right or wrong in the opinion of each one, the coach has the right to make the decisions he makes.”

Meanwhile, after Portugal was knocked out of the World Cup, Santos admitted he has no regrets about benching Ronaldo.

“I don’t think so, no regrets,” Santos said. “I think this was a team that played very well against Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets.

“If we take two persons that were the most upset it is Cristiano Ronaldo and me. Of course, we are upset, but that is part of the job of the coach and the player.”

After the disappointment of the World Cup, Portugal decided to part ways with Fernando Santos. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi club Al Nassr for a whopping deal of €200 million per year.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Manchester City means so much to me,” – Guardiola signs extension

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension at the club, which was… Read More

November 22, 2024

Las Vegas GP Preview

This weekend, Formula 1 will return, and this time around, it's back in the United… Read More

November 22, 2024

Ange Postecoglu calls Bentancur’s action a “mistake” as Spur’s appeal

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglu has revealed that he fully supports the club's decision to appeal… Read More

November 22, 2024

Inter want Meret as free agent as Liverpool eye Thuram

Reports have emerged in Italy that Inter are ready to pounce on Napoli goalkeeper Alex… Read More

November 22, 2024

Celtic Boss set to welcome star forward after injury recovery ahead of crunch tie

Celtic have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Saturday night clash with Hearts,… Read More

November 22, 2024

Luka Doncic Out for a Week Due to Wrist Strain

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is set to miss at least a week after suffering… Read More

November 22, 2024