Goncalo Ramos says Cristiano Ronaldo is still an 'important' member of the Portugal squad despite being dropped to the bench for their last-16 clash with Switzerland.
Ramos was selected ahead of the Portugal captain for Tuesday's game as Fernando Santos made the decision to drop Ronaldo after he reacted angrily to being substituted against South Korea last Friday.
The 21-year-old made the most of his first international start by scoring three well-taken goals which included a thunderous strike to get off the mark, and a lovely dinked finish to complete his hat-trick.
Portugal went on to win the game 6-1 - with Ronaldo coming off the bench to replace Joao Felix for the final 17 minutes.
As a result, Portugal have secured a quarter-final clash with Morocco - who caused another tournament upset by knocking Spain out.
Speaking after the game Ramos said: 'Not even in my best dreams did I think I would be in the starting XI for the knockout phases.
'Regarding my expectations, we just need to take it one match at a time. Now we prepare for Morocco without thinking of any other games.
'Cristiano Ronaldo is our leader. He's the captain, he's the leader and we always look forward to playing side by side with him.
'He is my reference and an idol to many of us. Cristiano Ronaldo, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic – those players are my role models.'
Asked about Ronaldo's role within in the team, Santos said: 'That is still something that has to be defined.
'I have a very close relationship with him – I always have, I have known him since he was 19-years-old.
'This relationship only develops, Ronaldo and I never interpret the human aspect of that of manager and player (in relation to) what we have to do during the match.
'I will always consider in my role that he is an important player to have in the team.'
Alai Konyak Wangnao
0
You’re an absolute jack 🤓🤓people like you should never have a phone , see thats one disadvantage for social media , it got us to know more morrons by the day
keep crying 😂 First Europa now Al Nasser
Alai Konyak Wangnao
0
Cristiano's fans , his wife, his sister, Mr Morgan and those fake 480 million fans instagram are the architect of Cristiano's downfall. They keep deceiving him when they know he is gone and finished. Anyone that dare tell cristiano the truth is named jealous, hatter and enemy. The truth is, this is just the beginning of troubles for Cristiano because he may soon be sacked from national team like he was sacked by utd. Messi once retired to give space to others but Argentina 🇦🇷 fans begged him to return to lead the team but despite the fact that portugal 🇵🇹 fans said he should retire but he wouldn't listen just because he want to compete with Messi even when it is very clear that you have nothing left to keep challenging Messi. it is a pity to see cristiano and his fans in this sorry situation! Pride they say 💭 go before a fall 🍂.
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agreed 💯%
riumnopruz
1
Which is true
Dixonmande
2
yeah,, important on a seat belt
RIM1977
1
He is an important player, no question about that. Unfortunately , he considers himself THE PLAYER! That's where the problem is .
Moeyyoknow
1
Cristiano's fans , his wife, his sister, Mr Morgan and those fake 480 million fans instagram are the architect of Cristiano's downfall. They keep deceiving him when they know he is gone and finished. Anyone that dare tell cristiano the truth is named jealous, hatter and enemy. The truth is, this is just the beginning of troubles for Cristiano because he may soon be sacked from national team like he was sacked by utd. Messi once retired to give space to others but Argentina 🇦🇷 fans begged him to return to lead the team but despite the fact that portugal 🇵🇹 fans said he should retire but he wouldn't listen just because he want to compete with Messi even when it is very clear that you have nothing left to keep challenging Messi. it is a pity to see cristiano and his fans in this sorry situation! Pride they say 💭 go before a fall 🍂.
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You’re an absolute jack 🤓🤓people like you should never have a phone , see thats one disadvantage for social media , it got us to know more morrons by the day
Dunbdkpryz
3
In case you were wondering
Eliakemkandongo
0
Ramos I know wat you did but that doesn't change the fact that you are a hello bye there's no replacement for class
Sosst
0
CR7 is the past & everyone has to look to the future,CR7’s role should be to help out however he can NOT MAKE MORE PROBLEMS💡Portugal is just fine without him & CR7 is now seeing it for himself🤯
Podabilry
3
Cristiano's fans , his wife, his sister, Mr Morgan and those fake 480 million fans instagram are the architect of Cristiano's downfall. They keep deceiving him when they know he is gone and finished. Anyone that dare tell cristiano the truth is named jealous, hatter and enemy. The truth is, this is just the beginning of troubles for Cristiano because he may soon be sacked from national team like he was sacked by utd. Messi once retired to give space to others but Argentina 🇦🇷 fans begged him to return to lead the team but despite the fact that portugal 🇵🇹 fans said he should retire but he wouldn't listen just because he want to compete with Messi even when it is very clear that you have nothing left to keep challenging Messi. it is a pity to see cristiano and his fans in this sorry situation! Pride they say 💭 go before a fall 🍂.
29412590(deleted)
0
Important that he sit on the bench🤭
soccerscks
2
Stop Calling it Football. it's Literally soccer