Real Madrid legend Marcelo has shared a four-word message to show his support for Cristiano Ronaldo amid his ongoing Portugal saga. The 41-year-old abruptly left the national team camp in Copenhagen after a falling out with coach Jorge Jesus this week.
Marcelo took to Instagram to post a picture of himself and Cristiano Ronaldo from their days at Real Madrid. He accompanied the post with a caption to show that he has the Portugal great in his thoughts during this period.
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“What can I say… @Cristiano,” he posted.
Marcelo crossed paths with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, having signed for the club two years before the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. They enjoyed a memorable period together, building a fine partnership on the pitch while conquering and dominating Europe.
The former left-back captained the club before he left in 2022, four years after Ronaldo left Real Madrid. They won multiple titles together, including the UEFA Champions League three-peat of 2016-2018.
The Brazilian supports his former teammate, who left the Portugal squad of his own accord on Wednesday. This decision stemmed from the unrest that developed between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus after the veteran coach left him out completely against Norway on Sunday.
It was the first time since 2008 that he had been an unused substitute in a match for Portugal, and he was unhappy afterward, storming straight down the tunnel after the final whistle. He skipped multiple training sessions to convey his disappointment with the coach’s decision, before deciding to leave the camp completely.
He released a statement explaining the direct cause of his decision to leave the camp, but promised to shed more light on the issue in the future.
Portugal claim win in absence of ex-Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was absent for Portugal as they picked up a 4-2 win over Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. The Seleçao made light work of the Scandinavian side, picking up their third win from as many games under Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo left the national team camp due to a rift with the coach, but his absence was barely felt as Joao Cancelo opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Mikkel Damsgaard was on hand to equalise after 23 minutes, only for Goncalo Ramos to restore his side’s advantage two minutes later.
Eight minutes into the second half, Rasmus Højlund scored to level the scores and celebrated like Cristiano Ronaldo does- with a Siuuu. Vitinha added a third goal on 67 minutes before Joao Felix rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen