Cristiano Ronaldo denied that he had sworn at Portugal coach Fernando Santos when he was substituted during a dramatic 2-1 defeat to South Korea in the World Cup on Friday, as both teams advanced into the next round.
Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, said the comments he made as he left the field in the 65th minute were in fact aimed at a South Korean player.
Portuguese media said the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player, who left the English club last month, appeared to challenge Santos over the decision to substitute him, using vulgar language towards the coach.
"What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly. I told him to shut up as he doesn't have that authority. There was no disagreement (with the coach)," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by Portuguese reporters.
The 37-year-old is seeking to equal the Portuguese record of most World Cup goals held by Eusebio, who racked up nine in 1966 in England, the only World Cup tournament he played in.
Ronaldo last week became the first ever player to score in five World Cups.
Santos, asked by reporters about the substitution incident, also said a South Korean player had been aggressive in his comments towards the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"I saw the interaction with Korean player and I have no doubts about what happened," Santos said.
Ronaldo was kept largely at bay by South Korea's defence in the Asians' last-gasp victory over Portugal that sent Uruguay out of the World Cup. But he was involved in the South Korean equalizer in the 27th minute when a corner struck him on the back and fell for Kim Young-gwon to score.
Santos made six changes to the side that beat Uruguay on Monday, mindful of the risk of yellow-card suspensions in the next round for which Portugal had already qualified before kick-off against South Korea. "We're unhappy. We wanted to go through with a win, we wanted to go through playing good football to keep boosting our confidence," Santos said.
"We're not going to lose confidence, this group has confidence, but it's a warning, a serious warning. Perhaps some positive things could come from this game."
JoyNg
193
I don't really understand why Media are trying really hard to bring this man down... But I promise you guys that, The more you spread hatred about CR7 is the more people will love himπππ΅πΉ Keep on trying till infinity.. Because our Love for CR7 is ETERNALπππ΅πΉπ
Graphics100
85
What pain me most is that his fans were busy blaming Ten Hag for benching him. But even Portugal coach can't risk putting on for 90mins. Ronaldo form is out, he is obviously finished. All he does now is to wait in the box for crossing to him π€£π€£π€£ππ
NkaluboAshiraf
13
Until now am looking for what his fans use to compare him to Messi the greatest player I've ever seen πππ
Kkrexuke
9
I might have pricked some Ronaldo fans when I called him a COW (Comedian Of World) instead of GOAT. let me share my observation: comedy 1: Ronaldo said he was very close to signing for MC until SAF intercede - MC came out and said not even close.. comedy 2: Ronaldo said he knew his ability to score and wants to start every match. yes, he WAS prolific but now he isn't. - most fans thought that it was a poor man utd thing, but he is fluffing his chances his Portuguese teammates presented to him, again this is fact, he only had 1 pen in this WC. comedy 3: he claimed he scored against Uruguay and had the cheek to use piers Morgan mouth to spread the word - fifa came out and said - actually, we had sensors installed in the balls. the Portuguese camp went quiet... All in all, tell me this doesn't sounds like the best comedian in the world ?