Ronaldo's girlfriend implicitly blames the Portuguese coach
"Congratulations Portugal," Georgina wrote on Instagram. "When the 11 starting players sang the national anthem, all the cameras turned to him. It's a shame that people didn't get to see the best player in the world play the full 90 minutes. The audience kept chanting his name and asked him to come in. I hope God and his friend Fernando will hold hands to shake everyone up for one more night."
Georgina and Ronaldo's children were present in the stands of Lusail Stadium to watch the match between Portugal and Switzerland on the evening of December 6, but the 37-year-old superstar did not start. He had to reserve for Portugal in a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2008, ending a run of 31 consecutive starting matches. Ronaldo came on in the 73rd minute to replace Goncalo Ramos - the player who scored a hat-trick earlier and helped Portugal lead 5-1. For about 20 minutes on the field, Georgina's boyfriend did not score.
Georgina did not say who Ronaldo's friend Fernando was by name. But according to Diario AS, this person is likely to be coach Fernando Santos, because in the post-match press conference he also said he considered Ronaldo a "friend". "Ramos and Ronaldo are different types of players," he said. "I have no problem with Ronaldo, because we have been friends for many years. He is a true captain and a role model for the whole team."
Tensions between Ronaldo and Santos began in the final match of Group H of the World Cup 2022, when Portugal met South Korea on the evening of December 2. After being substituted in the 65th minute, Ronaldo said in Portuguese: "Don't send me out so soon". In the post-match press conference, the 37-year-old striker explained that the quote was for a Korean player who asked him to quickly leave the field.
In a press conference on December 5, coach Santos said he did not like Ronaldo's reaction at all. But he added that the matter would be handled internally. A day later, Ronaldo had to be substituted in the survival match against Switzerland. In the end, Portugal won 6-1 and reached the quarter-finals against Morocco.
Georgina and Ronaldo's children flew to Qatar on December 2 to attend the match against Korea. The Portuguese captain is allowed to meet his girlfriend and children before the Swiss match. Georgina is a 28-year-old model from Argentina, The couple has two children, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda.
