Fans of Cristiano Ronaldo are well aware that the 2022 World Cup was the year when the gap between Messi and Ronaldo widened significantly. While Messi triumphed in the Qatar World Cup, Ronaldo suffered an unexpected elimination against Morocco.
After the match, Ronaldo was visibly distraught, breaking down in tears in the player's tunnel. It was clear that Ronaldo realized he would never have another chance to win the World Cup title, which is why his reaction was so emotional. Additionally, during the 2022 World Cup, the Portuguese national team experienced a significant internal conflict. Ronaldo found himself on the bench during a game, and afterward, he expressed his dissatisfaction. This led to the resignation of coach Fernando Santos.
Rumors circulated among fans that Ronaldo had demanded the dismissal of coach Santos, leading to widespread criticism of the star player. However, in a recent interview, Santos clarified the situation: "Ronaldo respected my decision to bench him, and we still maintain contact and communication. There were no major conflicts between us, contrary to what external rumors suggested."
Santos' revelation as the former coach has shed light on the matter, revealing that Ronaldo, despite his reluctance to be a substitute, was willing to make sacrifices for the team. He accepted the situation, showing that he was not the instigator of the internal strife within the Portuguese team. Even at the age of 40, Ronaldo remains capable of being the starting forward for the Portuguese national team, demonstrating his continued efforts and contributions on the field.