Share
9th November 2023
11:04am GMT
Cristiano Ronaldo is usually one to hold a grudge and that's no different with one person, who he's refused to speak to since the World Cup.
It was a disappointing turnout in Qatar for Ronaldo and Portugal as they exited the tournament to Morocco in the quarter finals and despite being captain, was restricted to a bit-part role.
He was dropped for the side's round of 16 clash against Switzerland and was replaced by Goncalo Ramos who went on to score a hat trick in a 6-1 win.
Ramos started the next game and although Ronaldo came on as a sub, he was unable to turn the game around and left the pitch in tears.
His manager at the tournament was Fernando Santos but after their poor showing he was dismissed and replaced by Roberto Martinez, who's breathed new life into the Portuguese national team.
Santos then took on the role of the Polish national side but was also dismissed from that role but after leaving Portugal, all contact between Ronaldo and Santos was cut off.
Neither of them have spoken to each other since the World Cup ended however Santos admitted he still has a lot of love for Ronaldo and would pick up if he ever called.
"We haven't spoken since I came from Qatar," he told A Bola, via Globo.
"On the day of the game, in the morning, when I went to explain that he wasn't going to play and why he wasn't playing, he misunderstood.
"From my side the relationship is the same, and he continues to be like a son to me. The day the phone rings he knows I'm always here.
"He is the best of the world. But he had a moment in his career that was very difficult. In the second half of 2022 he has six months that are terrible.
"That moment really affected him. He had no rhythm. It was a strategic issue."
Related links:
Explore more on these topics:
