Joao Felix has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo was a model professional after being dropped by ex-Portugal boss Fernando Santos.
The 38-year-old headed to Qatar with the expectation he would lead his nation in what was likely his last World Cup. However, after getting through the group stage with Ronaldo in the side, he was unceremoniously axed for the last-16 clash with Switzerland.
Goncalo Ramos came in for the ex-Manchester United star and instantly delivered, scoring a stunning hat-trick to secure their passage to the quarter finals. Ramos retained his place vs Morocco, but failed to replicate his feats with Ronaldo called from the bench with his side trailing.
However, he was unable to inspire a comeback, with the final image of Ronaldo’s tournament being him storming down the tunnel in tears. His relegation to the bench for the national side came after he suffered a similar fate at Old Trafford.
United boss Erik ten Hag opted to keep Ronaldo out of the line-up at the start of the season, having been absent for much of pre-season. Instead, he adopted the role of ‘supersub’, a role he was clearly unwilling to embrace.
In an infamous interview before he headed off to the Middle East, Ronaldo claimed Ten Hag had “disrespected” him and tried to push him out of the club. There was also a notable incident which saw the veteran refuse to come on vs Tottenham, instead walking to the dressing room before the final whistle.
It all painted a picture of a player unable to accept his standing within the squad and one unwilling to still support from the sidelines. But Felix insists that wasn’t the case with Portugal, with Ronaldo reacting diplomatically to Santos’ decision - despite rumours of a fall out within the camp.
“We were surprised, because seeing Cristiano on the bench is not something you're used to,” he told Spanish outlet AS. "But it was the gaffer's decision - he's the one who calls the shots. Cristiano reacted really well, because we were all pulling in the same direction and creating positive vibes.
“His reaction was really good for the rest of us, because he looked to give the team confidence and make it clear that we were all in this together. It was really good for us and he just kept on being a real help in every way.”
His calm and composed reaction wasn’t replicated by his partner Georgina Rodriguez however, who took aim at the now departed Santos following the defeat to Morocco.
“Today your friend and coach made the wrong decision,” Rodriguez wrote to her 40 million followers. “That friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect.
“The same one who, when putting you on the field, saw how everything changed, but it was too late.
“You can’t underestimate the best player in the world, its most powerful weapon. Much less should one stand up for those who don’t deserve it. Life gives us lessons. Today we don’t lose, we learn. We admire you.”
Santos was sacked shortly after Portugal’s exit and Ronaldo neglected to post any kind of public tribute to the manager who helped him win the European Championship in 2016. He has now since been hired as Belgium’s new head coach, who also dispensed with their manager following a poor showing in Qatar.
