Al Nassr Coach Refuses to Mediate Between Cristiano Ronaldo & Fernando Santos to Improve Relationships

Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Santos go a long way. The Portuguese manager has known the soccer star since his Sporting Lisbon days and has previously called him a ‘son’. However, the duo doesn’t seem to share the same affection now. Reportedly, it’s been nearly a year since they spoke with each other. Regardless of the issues, fellow Portuguese and CR7’s current manager Luis Castro has clarified that he won’t play any role in their reconciliation, stating that he has ‘no knowledge’ of the situation.

Fernando Santos left his role as the Portugal coach following the 2022 World Cup exit. His relationship with the soccer icon got strained as a result of some tactical decisions during the 2023 FIFA World Cup. However, Santos has since clarified that he has no regret for his decisions.

Luis Castro publicly washes his hands off from the Ronaldo-Santos saga

It seems like Luis Castro is not interested in resolving Cristiano Ronaldo’s issues, as per his recent comments. When quizzed on if he was going to be a ‘mediator’ between them, the Al Nassr boss gave a straightforward reply. He said, “You should ask Fernando Santos. I have no knowledge and these matters do not concern us in daily life. Men’s problems are men’s problems.” It seems like the Al Nassr head coach believes the situation will be better handled by CR7 himself.

For Castro, the equation is simple. CR7 is the main man as far as he is concerned. He has gone on to claim the attacker as the best player in the world and a role model to many players in the Al Nassr squad. Considering that Cristiano Ronaldo is still the leading goalscorer in the league, his methods are paying off. However, the lethal striker seemed to have lost his first-team spot on the national team during the reign of the previous coach, Fernando Santos.

CR7 had a difficult time with Santos after being benched for 2 consecutive knockout games in the 2022 World Cup. For a player of his stature, that definitely would have hurt. Moreover, the decision also did not seemingly pay off as Portugal was eliminated by a spirited Morocco side in the quarterfinal. The image of a heartbroken Cristiano Ronaldo crying in the middle of the pitch went viral. Considering that he was denied his final chance to win the World Cup title, the Al Nassr man would not have happy memories of Fernando Santos. Yet, the veteran manager does not seem to regret his decision. What did he have to say about the controversial call?

Benching Cristiano Ronaldo was the right decision after a ‘terrible’ six months

Here’s the opinion of the Portuguese tactician. He explained, “In the second half of 2022 he has six months that are terrible. Even in the soul aspect. It starts with that misfortune that befell your home and your family, which none of us will want to go through.” Moreover, he added that CR7 did not have pre-season and missed training for 2 months.

Read More: “The Pain of Having Being Benched…” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Motives Questioned Over Beef With Fernando Santos After Portugal NT Coach Defends His Decision

The most important reason as per Fernando Santos was that Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the match rhythm. However, the soccer veteran looks to have regained his rhythm this season. With 20 goals in 22 games, CR7 is back to his swashbuckling best. Moreover, he is again a mainstay in the national team under the new coach, Roberto Martinez. Normalcy is restored as far as Cristiano Ronaldo and the national team saga are concerned.

What is your opinion of the Ronaldo-Santos rift? Let us know in the comments below.

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