Cristiano Ronaldo was unimpressed by his Portuguese peers (Image: PA wire)
Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism of Portuguese players withdrawing from their Nations League matches has not gone down well with teammate Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese national team, currently top of their group by a slim margin of three points, prepares to face Poland and Croatia in UEFA competition.
However, Ronaldo's comments at an awards ceremony earlier this week, expressing disappointment at players unwilling to represent their country, caused a stir. PSG defender Mendes, who is expected to be part of the team that faces Poland on Friday at the Estadio do Dragao, responded to his captain's remarks with obvious displeasure.
At the Quinas de Ouro Gala, where Ronaldo received the Quinas de Platina award, he criticized his teammates, saying: “After winning so many trophies and playing for so many clubs, there is nothing better than playing for the national team, to represent your country, your culture, your children. That's why I'm disappointed by some players who don't want to represent it.
Asked about these comments before the match against Poland, his teammate Mendes replied: “Everyone has their own opinion. I can speak for myself. I am very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on on the pitch and in training, Ronaldo has his opinion, I have mine.
Ronaldo's sentiment on dedication closely mirrors that of England captain Harry Kane, who earlier this week also spoke about player commitment amid a series of withdrawals from the Three Lions Nations League team .
A total of nine players, including Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and, most recently, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, have withdrawn from matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. .
Harry Kane felt the same as Ronaldo (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
“I think England comes first,” captain Kane said. “England comes before the club, that's the most important thing as a professional footballer. Gareth [Southgate] was hot about it, and he wasn't afraid to make decisions if it started to get away from certain players.
“It's a shame this week, obviously. It's a difficult time of the season, and maybe we took advantage of it a little. I don't really like it if I'm completely honest. England comes first and any club situation.”
Mendes' scathing retort to his skipper Ronaldo is an example of the discord that could be created within the England camp, a potential problem that Thomas Tuchel could extinguish as he prepares to take over from interim manager Lee Carsley.
Carsley saw the positive side, telling reporters: “With the number of players who have withdrawn, it gives other players the opportunity to be here. We're looking forward to the game. [versus Greece]”.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1975861/cristiano-ronaldo-nuno-mendes-portugal-kane-england