Cristiano Ronaldo reacted violently to being replaced during Friday’s 2-1 World Cup loss for Portugal against South Korea as his annoyance overcame him once more. When he was removed from his country’s final World Cup group stage encounter, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was incensed.
In what is probably going to be his last participation in a significant international competition, Ronaldo is hoping to win the World Cup with Portugal. The 37-year-old scored against Ghana in Portugal’s opening World Cup game but was unable to score against Uruguay and South Korea.
Ronaldo was doubtful with regard to his injuries going into the last Group H match, but he started and was taken off in the 65th minute. The Portuguese superstar’s contribution to South Korea’s equalizer has been called into doubt as he turned his back on the ball rather than clearing it, allowing Kim Young-Gwon to tap the ball in.
After Todd Boehly met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, over the summer, the seasoned striker was previously mentioned as a potential transfer target for Stamford Bridge. According to football. London, Boehly approached the previous manager Thomas Tuchel with the intention of signing the Portugal international but the German turned it down.
Graham Potter, who took over Tuchel’s squad after the German coach left, is rumored to be less interested in bringing in Ronaldo in January. Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, Ronaldo’s latest outburst—which was later explained away by national coach Fernando Santos—may have demonstrated to the Blues why they should not sign him.
Since leaving the stadium early while playing for United and criticizing Erik ten Hag, the Glazers, and some of his former teammates in a fiery interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo’s attitude has come under scrutiny. A Bola stated that Ronaldo was seen yelling at the Portugal bench on camera after being replaced by Andre Silva in the match against South Korea: “You’re in such a hurry to pull me off.”
Ronaldo was consoled by teammate Pepe, who was still on the field, as he resumed his outburst. After the game, Portugal manager Santos attempted to put the situation in perspective by emphasizing that the superstar had been reacting to an opponent rather than the Portugal bench. Santos’ comments were corroborated by Portugal’s goal scorer Ricardo Horta, who added:
“I believe he ultimately left the game disappointed due of the response of a player from Korea, nothing linked to Portugal. He has previously stated that he is content and committed to the World Cup, so it is not necessary to reiterate it.
As evidenced by how his tenure at Old Trafford ended, Chelsea, Boehly, and Potter should all be wary of signing Ronaldo because doing so could undermine team morale and jeopardize a desire to place in the Premier League’s top four.