“For him an assist sometimes feels better than scoring” - Jose Fonte makes huge admission on Cristiano Ronaldo assist for Bruno Fernandes
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to end his goal drought at EURO 2024. He also surprisingly claimed that the forward sometimes felt better after assisting goals than scoring them.
In his BBC Sport column, Fonte claimed that while Ronaldo would look to get on the scoresheet, he would be more focused on getting the team going in the right direction. The defender added that he was not surprised that the forward played an unselfish pass to Bruno Fernandes in the group win against Turkey, writing:
"In the group games his movement has been good, he has been in good positions and he has had chances, or half-chances at least. I know for him an assist sometimes feels better than scoring so I was not surprised when he chose to pass to Bruno Fernandes for our third goal against Turkey rather than have a shot himself. He has been involved everywhere, helping with defending and link-up play. Of course he wants his goal too because of how hungry he is, but that will come - it is just a matter of time."
Cristiano Ronaldo was in a 2v1 situation against Turkey when he opted to pass the ball to Bruno Fernandes. Portugal managed to ease to a 3-0 win and sealed their place in the knockout stages.
Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammate surprised at assist during EURO 2024 clash
While Jose Fonte claimed that he was not surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo's assist to Bruno Fernandes, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown said the exact opposite. He stated that the forward's face showed he was not happy with the decision, claiming on Reach's new Euro Thrash podcast:
"I'm looking at his face afterwards and he was thinking 'I could have just slotted that past the keeper', but that is Ronnie, that is what he has always strived for. In his mind, he will have been thinking 'I should have scored there'. It's nothing personal, he is that guy who wants to be top of the charts everywhere and that is why he has been so good for so many years."
"He has looked good, really confident and back to himself. You can see he is still trying to give it all. Sometimes I think him and Bruno both like the ball, so you wonder what is going to happen, but everyone seems to be jolly and nice and he's fitting in well," he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal against Slovenia on Monday, July 1, in a Round of 16 clash at EURO 2024.