Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo’s conduct following the forward’s unexpected departure from the Portugal squad.
Ronaldo left the team shortly before Portugal’s match against Denmark after reportedly disagreeing with manager Jorge Jesus. The decision followed Jesus’ media briefing and Ronaldo’s frustration over not being selected for a UEFA Nations League fixture against Norway.
In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo accused the manager of failing to honour previous promises. He later apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public, while confirming that he remained committed to international football and was prepared to accept any disciplinary measures.
Speaking on The Overlap, Neville acknowledged Ronaldo’s achievements but expressed disappointment with his actions.
“I actually love him to bits. I can’t sit here and say I approve of that statement and think it was a good thing for him to do; it makes him more difficult to like,” Neville said.
Neville added that Ronaldo’s conduct could overshadow his remarkable career, although he believed the player’s footballing legacy would ultimately endure.
Despite Ronaldo’s apology, reports suggest that he has been suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation. However, the length of the suspension and any additional sanctions have yet to be confirmed.
