Veteran RTE pundit John Giles has branded Cristiano Ronaldo a disgrace following Portugal’s World Cup exit at the hands of Spain on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo’s side bowed out of the tournament by virtue of a solitary goal from David Villa in Cape Town.
It was the third time in four games in South Africa that Carlos Queiroz’s side had failed to find the net, and Ronaldo was singled out for special criticism by Giles after the game.
Speaking on RTE’s World Cup coverage, the Leeds United great said, “Ronaldo was a disgrace. He’s playing for his country, he’s captain of his country but you saw him at one stage in the second half flicking the ball. Doing a trick. It’s typical of him and his mentality.
“He won’t be a hero in Portugal tonight. He is a very, very talented individual. That’s his ability but the rest is about attitude. Great players give what they can to the team. With Ronaldo, it’s for him. And if the team benefits, so be it.
“Compare his attitude to [David] Villa. Villa was brilliant. He scored his goal and every time he lost the ball he was getting back.”
Want more? Check out Tuesday’s three World Cup thoughts
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