Cristiano Ronaldo has been heavily criticised after Portugal's World Cup exit at the hands of Spain, with pundit Chris Sutton claiming the forward 'did nothing' and was 'waddling like a grandad' during the match. The 41-year-old's selection by manager Roberto Martinez has also come under fire, with Sutton calling the decision an 'absolute embarrassment'.
Ronaldo's performance under scrutiny
Ronaldo, who scored three goals in the tournament (two against Uzbekistan), failed to make an impact as Spain secured a late winner in Dallas. Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: 'He's waddling around the field like a grandad, that's why Portugal are out. Cristiano Ronaldo does nothing; he did nothing. What is Roberto Martinez doing? How can you pander to a player so much? Portugal are out because of Roberto Martinez.'
Martinez defends his captain
Martinez, who had already announced his departure after the World Cup, defended his decision to start Ronaldo. 'We need to thank him for what he tried to do at this World Cup. His dream was to win this World Cup, he did this with an amazing example. He is a prime example of football and the human being that is behind that athlete,' Martinez said.
Ramos benched despite late heroics
Sutton also questioned why Goncalo Ramos, who scored a late winner against Croatia in the Round of 32 after replacing Ronaldo, was left on the bench against Spain. 'How did Goncalo Ramos not get on the pitch? It's an absolute embarrassment from the manager, just pandering to his star player. He's the most decorated player that Portugal have ever had but you've got to be stronger than that,' Sutton added.
End of an era for Ronaldo
Ronaldo confirmed after the match that he has made his last World Cup appearance. The defeat marks the end of his quest for a first World Cup title, with Portugal failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
