Cristiano Ronaldo has been brutally mocked for his response to Al-Nassr’s exit in the Asian Champions League. The knockouts of that tournament are played over one game, with Al-Nassr having smashed Yokohama in the quarter-finals.
That set up a final four clash against Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale, held at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Wednesday evening. But Ronaldo’s side badly disappointed, going 3-1 down before pulling back a late goal with three minutes remaining.
Ronaldo had the chance to equalise in the dying moments, but stumbled after rounding the keeper. That ensured Nassr crashed out of the competition, which had been their final chance at winning any silverware this season.
The defeat hit Ronaldo hard, with the veteran attacker visibly disappointed after the final whistle. He was seen standing in the centre circle gesturing and talking to himself, before looking up in dejection towards the sky.
That bizarre response to his side’s defeat attracted mockery from fans across the globe. Some even urged Ronaldo to retire as his struggles in Saudi Arabia continued.
One said: “I’m not sure about anyone else, but that line ‘Leave the football before the football leaves you’ fits Ronaldo a little too perfectly.” Another added: “This man Is not funny… Is Just an idiot with a sick ego.”
A third said: “Messi winning the world cup destroyed this guy mentally.” A fourth wrote: “The desperation for a few seconds on camera is almost impressive, if it weren’t so pitiful.”
Another brutally added: “Anything for the camera.” While a sixth fan said: “He is a selfish player who plays for his records, not for the team.” A final fan concluded: “He’s fully lost his mind.”
Ronaldo hinted that he will not be retiring any time soon in his response to Tuesday’s defeat. He paid tribute to the Nassr fans for their backing and insisted he was proud of his side’s performance.
The Portugal international wrote: “Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world.”
While Ronaldo was happy with the way his team-mates played, Nassr boss Stefano Pioli opted to publicy slam his players. The Italian boss said: “We played with a difficult strategy and took risks in the second half; we had no options other than to take risks, and we don’t need to look back; we are now thinking about the league.
“We have been thinking about improving results since taking over the club, but the pressure of matches has affected us. We hope to continue in the league to achieve the best position, and when the season ends, we will review ourselves and prepare for the next season.
“I was not surprised by the opponent; rather, our performance was the surprise. We lost many duels and battles on the field, and what is truly surprising is our poor level today. The problem is not with the coach or the players; today we were bad.”
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