Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of “walking around the pitch like a grandchild” when Portugal lost to Spain in the World Cup last night.
The 41-year-old was on the sidelines as Roberto Martinez’s men lost 1-0 to Mikel Merino’s injury-time strike in Dallas.
Martinez is accused of pleasing Ronaldo as many experts believe that AC Milan’s new signing Goncalo Ramos should have been given another chance.
Ramos did not retire from the bench against Spain and Ronaldo played the whole game, a decision that led to the criticism of BBC commentator Chris Sutton.
Sutton, who was a key member of the Blackburn Rovers side that won the Premier League in 1995, commented on Radio 5 Live: “He walks around the pitch like a grandchild, that’s why Portugal is out. Cristiano Ronaldo has done nothing; he has done nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you turn a player around like that? Roberto Martinez is out of Portugal.”
Sutton says Martinez should have been stronger than Ronaldo
Ronaldo made his 233rd appearance for Portugal last night and admitted after the game that he is about to leave and think about his international future.
And Sutton pointed out that now is the time for Ramos.
He added: “How is it possible for Goncalo Ramos to enter the field?
“He is the most decorated player that Portugal has ever had but you have to be stronger than that.”
Martinez, who confirmed yesterday that he will leave his position after the team’s dismissal, had nothing but praise for Ronaldo.
“He has been an exemplary captain,” he said.
“I came with Portugal at a time when there was confusion and doubts about Cristiano. He was a good example, not only with goals and assists, what he does in the box, his dedication, how he deals with the ball. He is an example, we must celebrate him.
“We are talking about an image in football. There are not many Cristiano Ronaldo. We must thank him for what he did in this World Cup, he wanted to win it, as a player, captain, in terms of people, we will all go with him forever. For example, as the person behind the player.”
Martinez defends the decision to continue with Ronaldo
Martinez also defended his decision to stick with Ronaldo and keep Ramos on the bench.
“If you’re a team and you need a goal, you can’t take out Cristiano Ronaldo,” added Martinez. “He is able to play for 90 minutes, there is no problem, he is a presence, he creates space for us, the dead ball situation, anything in the box, will not be heard.
“In extra time it would have made sense to use Goncalo Ramos. We had to keep the structure, it wasn’t like we had to send off the top scorer in 90 minutes.”
