Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife Georgina Rodriguez sends a clear message to Portugal coach after starting Ronaldo on the bench.
After starting Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench against Morocco, Georgina Rodriguez has been blunt in her criticism of Fernando Santos, the manager of Portugal.
Ronaldo was controversially benched by Santos for Portugal’s match against Switzerland in the round of 16, and Goncalo Ramos, who notched an incredible hat-trick, took his place.
The 28-year-old Rodriguez spoke out following Portugal’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday and vehemently defended Ronaldo.
For the quarterfinal match against Morocco on Saturday, Santos decided to continue with Ramos, and Ronaldo once more accepted a bench position.
However, Youssef En-Ronaldo-esque Nesyri’s header past Diogo Costa in the first half stunned the 2016 European champions for Morocco.
Early in the second half, Ronaldo came off the bench for Portugal, but the captain was unable to net the crucial equalizer to keep his team in the World Cup.
After Morocco’s thrilling 1-0 victory, the 37-year-old Portuguese forward, who might be playing in his final World Cup, sobbed in the tunnel.
At the Al-Thumama Stadium, Rodriguez watched as Portugal lost in the World Cup quarterfinal, but she afterwards paid respect to her lover.
The 28-year-old model posted a photo of Ronaldo on her Instagram Stories, where Rodriguez was criticizing Santos for his “mistake” in benching the legendary Manchester United player.
Your friend and coach made a poor decision today. That friend whom you hold in such high regard and awe,” she wrote to her 40.6 million Instagram followers.
“The same one who witnessed how everything altered by bringing you into the game, but it was too late.
“The best player in the world, his most potent tool, cannot be undervalued.
