Portugal had already qualified for the round of 16 ahead of their final Group H match and coach Fernando Santos decided to rest a number of players. However, Cristiano Ronaldo insisted on the field.

Fernando Santos and Cristiano RonaldoPhoto: Kieran McManus / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Cristiano Ronaldo, nervous reaction at the moment of substitution

In the 65th minute, Ronaldo was replaced by Andre Silva, who controversially came off, arguing with his manager for subbing him so early.

Things didn’t quite go that way, and Ronaldo explained his gesture.

“What happened was before my shift. One South Korean player told me to get out faster. I told him to shut up because he couldn’t rush me. There was no conflict with the coach,” Ronaldo said, Daily Mail reports.

Portugal finished top of Group H at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 on December 6.

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