LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed ‘rude’ questions from reporters ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark.
Roberto Martinez’s Portugal trail 1-0 heading into the second leg after a disappointing performance in Copenhagen on Thursday.
Rasmus Hojlund came on as a substitute and scored the only goal of the game to give Denmark the lead and then celebrated the goal in Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ style.
Ronaldo, who has scored 135 goals for his country, was the target of criticism from journalists during a press conference.
Before the second leg, Portuguese journalists criticised Ronaldo and the team, asking whether the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was still capable of playing at full international level.
The 40-year-old took just 30 touches – the fewest for a player other than a goalkeeper – and failed to make any accurate attempts throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch.
“I feel like there’s a negative atmosphere surrounding the national team. I saw the press conference a few days ago – I didn’t like what I saw.
“And honestly, some of the questions you asked were quite rude. If you want an answer from me, look me in the eye when you ask.”
“There’s no point in asking me something and then bowing down to your computer. You have time for that later. If necessary, I’ll repeat it 10 times,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal have endured a difficult period under Martinez after being knocked out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo failed to add to his goal collection at the tournament and his place in the national team began to be questioned.
With the semi-final appearing bleak, the striker and Martinez continued to come under criticism, and Ronaldo admitted he and his teammates were feeling the pressure.
“The atmosphere is more tense. I won’t hide it. We are in a stressful situation because we have to win, but that’s the beauty of football. Tomorrow, I will appeal to the fans to be with us.
“To give us strength, because we will try to do our best. That’s my hope, tomorrow will be a beautiful day for everyone.”
“There is no other choice. Anyone who is proud to represent this symbol must have this ambition. I have lost a match in 90 minutes, but I have never lost in the first half. Tomorrow is the second half,” he said.
This is not the first time Ronaldo has been angry with journalists, eight years ago he vented his anger more aggressively when he threw a microphone into a lake.