Cristiano Ronaldo was all smiles as he arrived in Slovenia with a $100,000 Jacob & Co. timepiece in his hand. However, that was before the game. The friendly did not go as planned as Portugal succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to the hosts. The soccer icon cut a frustrated figure throughout and even reportedly let out expletives to the match officials! And it looks like CR7’s anger did not subside even hours after the final whistle. Following the match, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner did not board the flight with his teammates!

As per N1info, while his Portuguese teammates left for Lisbon in the night, Cristiano Ronaldo spent the night at Ljubljana’s Grand Plaza Hotel. It is not yet known why CR7 opted against traveling with his team. He left the hotel at noon the following day in a black Mercedes with tinted glasses. Moreover, he did not leave the hotel through the main exit but through the garage where a car was waiting for him, and left for Brno Airport.

At the airport, a luxury plane was waiting for CR7. Rather uncharacteristically, Cristiano Ronaldo avoided meeting the fans, nor did he do so at the hotel. Moreover, he was unavailable to the media personnel as well. Nevertheless, he boarded and reached Riyadh at 8 pm local time.

Ahead of the Slovenia match, there were already calls that CR7 should be dropped from the starting XI. The reason being his age and Portugal’s rich attacking options. Unfortunately, with his performance, Cristiano Ronaldo has given further ammunition to his critics.

Questions arise about Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance to the national side

Following Portugal’s thrashing of Sweden, soccer pundit, Jeff Stelling had an interesting view regarding CR7’s position on the national side. He said, “I’m not sure he’s a certain starter. I know that causes issues in it some way.” A similar sentiment was echoed by French soccer legend, Frank Leboeuf. He claimed, “For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. I think his time for Portugal is done.”

It is also worth noting that in the win against Sweden, Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature. Could his inclusion have been a reason for the dip in performance levels? It is certainly food for thought. Moreover, Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo also claimed that the 39-year-old is past his prime and the National Team doesn’t depend on him entirely. Portugal will play 3 friendlies in June, ahead of Euro 2024.

Trending

Erling Haaland Injury Update- Expected Return Date & How Many Games Will He Miss For Manchester City?

April 24, 2024 02:11 PM EDT

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

How Does the Premier League Title Race Look After Manchester City’s Win Over Brighton? All Possibilities Explained

April 26, 2024 08:09 AM EDT

Despite Owning $15,000,000 Private Jet, Lionel Messi Jets Off in Economy With Inter Miami After ‘Quieter Life’ Revelation

August 08, 2023 12:45 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

For CR7, those matches could have a defining role in his future with Portugal.

After ‘Past His Prime’ Claim, Joao Cancelo Snubs Cristiano Ronaldo From ‘Top 3 Players in the World’