Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Elma has criticised Portugal after the national team reportedly handed his number seven shirt to Rafael Leao following the forward’s departure from Jorge Jesus’ squad.
Ronaldo had worn the number for almost 20 years. The reported change came after a dispute involving the Al Nassr player and Portugal manager Jesus.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister attacks Portugal’s handling of row
Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s recent match against Norway. He subsequently went down the tunnel at full-time and left the national team’s camp.
Elma responded on social media, endorsing a message which criticised the treatment of her brother, the structure of the national team and coverage of the dispute in Portugal.
“CR7 deserved more respect. The national team deserved more structure,” the message said. “Portuguese journalism deserved more competence and less speculation.”
It also criticised the Portuguese public, claiming they were “envious, disdainful, ignorant” and would deserve to return to the “mediocrity” that had existed in Portuguese football before Ronaldo.
Elma added: “Thank you for everything, CR7! You deserved more!”
