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Ronaldo denies blaming Queiroz

Portugal were eliminated in the second round by Spain on Tuesday night as a David Villa goal secured a 1-0 victory for their Iberian neighbours. It meant Portugal departed the competition having failed to score in three of their four games in South Africa.

Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo was a marginal figure for much of the match and his conduct was also brought in question following the final whistle as he appeared to spit in the direction of a TV cameraman on the pitch.

The national team captain then told reporters to “talk to Carlos Queiroz” when asked to explain Portugal’s defeat to Spain, but has since issued a statement through his agent to establish he was not seeking to apportion blame to the coach.

“I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness,” Ronaldo said. “When I said ‘put the question to the coach’, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference.

“I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone. I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities.”

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