Georgina Rodriguez, girlfriend of Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, made an angry public statement just a few hours after Portugal’s bitter defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals against Morocco (0-1). In it, she lets off a lot of steam. The target of their poison darts is none other than coach Fernando Santos.
Her reason is clear: her lover’s reserve role. Because Ronaldo had to watch from the bench for a long time as the Portuguese internationals bit their teeth on the surprise winner from Africa. The 37-year-old only came into play in the 51st minute and was unable to turn things around. The result: After the bitter bankruptcy, Ronaldo disappeared into the dressing room crying. From the dream of the world title! It should have been the end of the international career.
Rodriguez doesn’t want to let it sit and lets her frustration run free. In the direction of Santos, she pests on Instagram. She doesn’t skimp on harsh criticism – on the contrary. With Ronaldo he put the “strongest weapon” on the bench and substituted too late.
“Today your friend and coach made a bad decision. This friend for whom you have so many words of admiration and respect,” writes the 28-year-old. The best player in the world should not be underestimated, Rodriguez continued. “You can’t stand up for someone who doesn’t deserve it either,” she wrote in reference to Santos. “Life teaches us lessons.”
The Ronaldo girlfriend watched the game at Al-Thumama Stadium.
Not the first public scolding from Ronaldo’s girlfriend
Santos spoke up after the end and said he didn’t regret bringing the superstar off the bench again: “Cristiano is a great player and came into play when we felt it was necessary.” The 68-year-old has already ruled out resignation.
Rodriguez should not like these words at all. Because it is not the first time that Ronaldo’s partner is up against the national coach. Already in the round of 16 against Switzerland, she had publicly complained about the role of the superstar as a joker.
“Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes,” she wrote on Instagram. “While the 11 players sang the anthem, all eyes were on you. The fans kept asking for your input and chanting your name.”
(with dpa material)