“He would have been angry” - Ex-Manchester United star Wes Brown on why ‘frustrating’ Cristiano Ronaldo decision would disturb Bruno Fernandes
Cristiano Ronaldo's ex-Manchester United teammate Wes Brown has said that Bruno Fernandes would be “frustrated” with his substitution in Portugal’s Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to France. However, he added that Cristiano Ronaldo has “earned the right” to stay on the pitch and understands why manager Roberto Martinez opted to not replace him.
Brown said that Fernandes “would have been angry” with the decision as he was looking likely to create chances in a game that finished 0-0 after extra time. The Manchester United captain was taken off for Chico Conceicao in the 74th minute as A Selecao went on to lose 5-3 on penalties.
Brown said (via football365.com):
“He would have been angry. He came off in the 75th minute [against France] and he was actually getting on the ball trying to create. You’re going to be frustrated. But if anything, Ronaldo has earned that. I know it is tough but he has 100% earned the right to stay on the pitch, because he can still get you a goal.”
Brown added:
“There is a lot of respect in that team for Ronaldo. There was one free kick that was not even of his side, but he took it anyway because he wants to score. I do think it comes to a stage and the lads will think ‘he’s not going to take him off, there’s no chance, this is going to be his last Euros.’”
Cristiano Ronaldo started in every single game during Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany. However, this was the first time in his career that he failed to score at a major competition, managing only an assist in five appearances.
The 39-year-old has hinted that he will continue playing for Portugal in the future. While he has already indicated that he will not participate in another European Championship, he has not ruled out taking the pitch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gary Lineker says Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker than Cristiano Ronaldo
Gary Lineker recently said Bruno Fernandes is a “better” and “more varied” free-kick taker than Cristiano Ronaldo, adding that the latter can sometimes be “a weakness” for his side.
Lineker said (via football365.com):
“Bruno Fernandes is a better free-kick taker and a more varied free-kick taker than Ronaldo. So, while he’s (Ronaldo) a massive strength, he can also be a weakness as well.”
“It’s more the ego side of him which is more of a weakness, probably for himself, Portugal and (head coach) Roberto (Martinez)".
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken 61 free kicks for Portugal in major tournaments but has scored only once - against Spain at the 2018 World Cup.